US Bridges

Al 215 over I-59

Fair

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · 0.5 MI N JCT US 11 Bypass · Structure no. 010427

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
290 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
14,360
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 215 over I-59 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al 215 over I-59 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 14,360 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,531 by 2040. The structure is 290 ft (88.4 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesAl 215
CrossesI-59
Location0.5 MI N JCT US 11 Bypass
RouteState Highway 215
CountyTuscaloosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.17076, -87.54636
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.1 US tons
Inventory rating31.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length290 ft (88.4 m)
Longest span86 ft (26.2 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.5 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,360 (2020)
Projected traffic23,531 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$4.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 215 over I-59 built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 215 over I-59 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does Al 215 over I-59 carry?

About 14,360 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Al 215 over I-59?

The structure is 290 ft (88.4 m) long with a longest span of 86 ft (26.2 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns Al 215 over I-59?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.