US Bridges

TVA Res. Road over Bus Bar Tunnel- Removed

Fair

Colbert County, Alabama · Near Nat. Fert. Dev. Ctr. · Structure no. 000013771700120

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
62 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,929
2021 count
Owner
Federal
Tennessee Valley Authority

About this bridge

TVA Res. Road over Bus Bar Tunnel- Removed is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying TVA Res. Road over Bus Bar Tunnel- Removed in Colbert County, Alabama. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 1,929 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,500 by 2041. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTVA Res. Road
CrossesBus Bar Tunnel- Removed
LocationNear Nat. Fert. Dev. Ctr.
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountyColbert County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.78167, -87.65
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.7 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,929 (2021)
Projected traffic3,500 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTennessee Valley Authority
Maintained byTennessee Valley Authority
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$225,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was TVA Res. Road over Bus Bar Tunnel- Removed built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is TVA Res. Road over Bus Bar Tunnel- Removed 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 2024.

How much traffic does TVA Res. Road over Bus Bar Tunnel- Removed carry?

About 1,929 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is TVA Res. Road over Bus Bar Tunnel- Removed?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns TVA Res. Road over Bus Bar Tunnel- Removed?

It is owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority.