US Bridges

AL-39 over Tombigbee River Canal

Fair

Greene County, Alabama · 1.3 MI N of Gainesville · Structure no. 011657

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
2,788 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,179
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-39 over Tombigbee River Canal is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying AL-39 over Tombigbee River Canal in Greene County, Alabama. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 years old, younger 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 1,179 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,623 by 2040. The structure is 2,788 ft (849.8 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

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CarriesAL-39
CrossesTombigbee River Canal
Location1.3 MI N of Gainesville
RouteState Highway 39
CountyGreene County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.8396, -88.1376
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.7 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+12 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,788 ft (849.8 m)
Longest span375 ft (114.3 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,179 (2020)
Projected traffic1,623 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$24.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-39 over Tombigbee River Canal built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-39 over Tombigbee River Canal 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 2024.

How much traffic does AL-39 over Tombigbee River Canal carry?

About 1,179 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is AL-39 over Tombigbee River Canal?

The structure is 2,788 ft (849.8 m) long with a longest span of 375 ft (114.3 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns AL-39 over Tombigbee River Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.