US Bridges

I-59 over Black Warrior River(-)

Fair

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · 9.5 MI S of Tuscaloosa · Structure no. 010501

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
2,271 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,235
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-59 over Black Warrior River(-) is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying I-59 over Black Warrior River(-) in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 13,235 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,374 by 2033. The structure is 2,271 ft (692.3 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesI-59
CrossesBlack Warrior River(-)
Location9.5 MI S of Tuscaloosa
RouteInterstate 59
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.11357, -87.65531
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.5 US tons
Inventory rating24.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+16 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,271 ft (692.3 m)
Longest span260 ft (79.2 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,235 (2013)
Projected traffic16,374 by 2033
Trucks35%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$22.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-59 over Black Warrior River(-) built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-59 over Black Warrior River(-) 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does I-59 over Black Warrior River(-) carry?

About 13,235 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is I-59 over Black Warrior River(-)?

The structure is 2,271 ft (692.3 m) long with a longest span of 260 ft (79.2 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I-59 over Black Warrior River(-)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.