US Bridges

SR 157 over Catoma Lake

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · 1.6 MI N JCT SR69 * SR157 · Structure no. 013055

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
604 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
6,651
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 157 over Catoma Lake is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 157 over Catoma Lake in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 years old, younger 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 6,651 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,311 by 2042. The structure is 604 ft (184.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 157
CrossesCatoma Lake
Location1.6 MI N JCT SR69 * SR157
RouteState Highway 157
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.19906, -86.81231
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.8 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length604 ft (184.1 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,651 (2022)
Projected traffic9,311 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 157 over Catoma Lake built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 157 over Catoma Lake 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does SR 157 over Catoma Lake carry?

About 6,651 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR 157 over Catoma Lake?

The structure is 604 ft (184.1 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SR 157 over Catoma Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.