US Bridges

AL-7 over Sims Creek

Poor

Greene County, Alabama · 1.1 MI S I-59 · Structure no. 001548

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
102 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,210
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-7 over Sims Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL-7 over Sims Creek in Greene County, Alabama. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,210 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,585 by 2041. The structure is 102 ft (31.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-7
CrossesSims Creek
Location1.1 MI S I-59
RouteU.S. Route 11
CountyGreene County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.9696, -87.79475
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating29.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length102 ft (31.2 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,210 (2020)
Projected traffic1,585 by 2041
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$780,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-7 over Sims Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-7 over Sims Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does AL-7 over Sims Creek carry?

About 1,210 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is AL-7 over Sims Creek?

The structure is 102 ft (31.2 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns AL-7 over Sims Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.