US Bridges

CO RD 53 over Sipsey River

FairPosted for load

Fayette County, Alabama · 1.0 S Bazemore · Structure no. 006565

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
250 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
125
2001 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 53 over Sipsey River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO RD 53 over Sipsey River in Fayette County, Alabama. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 125 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 140 by 2033. The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO RD 53
CrossesSipsey River
Location1.0 S Bazemore
RouteCounty Highway 53
CountyFayette County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.88236, -87.70361
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating29.9 US tons
Inventory rating12.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+5 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length250 ft (76.2 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic125 (2001)
Projected traffic140 by 2033
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 53 over Sipsey River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 53 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 RD 53 over Sipsey River carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (2001 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 53 over Sipsey River?

The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD 53 over Sipsey River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.