US Bridges

AL-18 over Sipsey River

Fair

Fayette County, Alabama · 0.5 MI E of Fayette · Structure no. 010951

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
634 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,953
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-18 over Sipsey River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL-18 over Sipsey River 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 634 ft (193.1 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
Location0.5 MI E of Fayette
RouteU.S. Route 43
CountyFayette County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.68217, -87.80527
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+8 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length634 ft (193.1 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 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
CrossesWaterway
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$7.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-18 over Sipsey River built?

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

What condition is AL-18 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 October 2023.

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

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

How long is AL-18 over Sipsey River?

The structure is 634 ft (193.1 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns AL-18 over Sipsey River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.