US Bridges

AL-18 over Sipsey River Relief

Fair

Fayette County, Alabama · 0.1 MI E of Fayette · Structure no. 010948

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
306 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
2,953
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-18 over Sipsey River Relief is a concrete tee beam carrying AL-18 over Sipsey River Relief in Fayette County, Alabama. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 2,953 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,466 by 2041. The structure is 306 ft (93.3 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-18
CrossesSipsey River Relief
Location0.1 MI E of Fayette
RouteU.S. Route 43
CountyFayette County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.68343, -87.8151
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
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 inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating29.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length306 ft (93.3 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,953 (2020)
Projected traffic4,466 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$3.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-18 over Sipsey River Relief built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-18 over Sipsey River Relief 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does AL-18 over Sipsey River Relief carry?

About 2,953 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is AL-18 over Sipsey River Relief?

The structure is 306 ft (93.3 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns AL-18 over Sipsey River Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.