US Bridges

SR 2 over Tennessee River

Fair

Colbert County, Alabama · Colbert-Lauderdale Co. · Structure no. 001901

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
2,071 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
27,850
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 2 over Tennessee River is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying SR 2 over Tennessee River in Colbert County, Alabama. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 27,850 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 33,848 by 2033. The structure is 2,071 ft (631.2 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 2
CrossesTennessee River
LocationColbert-Lauderdale Co.
RouteU.S. Route 43
CountyColbert County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.78019, -87.67005
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+11 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length2,071 ft (631.2 m)
Longest span420 ft (128 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.9 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,850 (2023)
Projected traffic33,848 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$22.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 2 over Tennessee River built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 2 over Tennessee 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does SR 2 over Tennessee River carry?

About 27,850 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 2 over Tennessee River?

The structure is 2,071 ft (631.2 m) long with a longest span of 420 ft (128 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns SR 2 over Tennessee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.