US Bridges

I-20 over Tallapoosa River

Fair

Cleburne County, Alabama · 4.3 MI E JCT Al 46 · Structure no. 010856

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
601 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20,263
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-20 over Tallapoosa River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-20 over Tallapoosa River in Cleburne County, Alabama. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 5 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 20,263 vehicles a day, roughly 36% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,368 by 2041. The structure is 601 ft (183.3 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesI-20
CrossesTallapoosa River
Location4.3 MI E JCT Al 46
RouteInterstate 20
CountyCleburne County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.64647, -85.43011
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.2 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+10 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length601 ft (183.3 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width62 ft (19 m)
Roadway width59 ft (17.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,263 (2023)
Projected traffic28,368 by 2041
Trucks36%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$8.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-20 over Tallapoosa River built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-20 over Tallapoosa 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does I-20 over Tallapoosa River carry?

About 20,263 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 36% are trucks.

How long is I-20 over Tallapoosa River?

The structure is 601 ft (183.3 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns I-20 over Tallapoosa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.