US Bridges

Al 77 over Coosa River

Fair

Etowah County, Alabama · Al 77 * Coosa River · Structure no. 002035

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
868 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
12,342
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 77 over Coosa River is a steel truss - thru carrying Al 77 over Coosa River in Etowah 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 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 12,342 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,279 by 2042. The structure is 868 ft (264.6 m) long and 21 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 77
CrossesCoosa River
LocationAl 77 * Coosa River
RouteState Highway 77
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.94196, -86.02494
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+16 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length868 ft (264.6 m)
Longest span202 ft (61.6 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,342 (2022)
Projected traffic17,279 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$4.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 77 over Coosa River built?

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

What condition is Al 77 over Coosa 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Al 77 over Coosa River carry?

About 12,342 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Al 77 over Coosa River?

The structure is 868 ft (264.6 m) long with a longest span of 202 ft (61.6 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Al 77 over Coosa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.