US Bridges

CO Rt 35 over Sipsey River

FairPosted for load

Fayette County, Alabama · 1.8 S of Fayette · Structure no. 004301

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
385 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,065
2010 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 35 over Sipsey River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO Rt 35 over Sipsey River in Fayette County, Alabama. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,065 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,150 by 2030. The structure is 385 ft (117.4 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO Rt 35
CrossesSipsey River
Location1.8 S of Fayette
RouteCounty Highway 10
CountyFayette County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.6695, -87.81666
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.1 US tons
Inventory rating19.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+7 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length385 ft (117.4 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,065 (2010)
Projected traffic1,150 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$2.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 35 over Sipsey River built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 35 over Sipsey 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does CO Rt 35 over Sipsey River carry?

About 1,065 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO Rt 35 over Sipsey River?

The structure is 385 ft (117.4 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 35 over Sipsey River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.