US Bridges

SR 117 over Tennessee River

Fair

Jackson County, Alabama · 3 MI S of Stevenson · Structure no. 006378

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
1,401 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,353
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 117 over Tennessee River is a steel truss - thru carrying SR 117 over Tennessee River in Jackson County, Alabama. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 5 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 3,353 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,694 by 2043. The structure is 1,401 ft (427 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 55.3 mi (89 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 117
CrossesTennessee River
Location3 MI S of Stevenson
RouteState Highway 117
CountyJackson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.83231, -85.79967
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating37 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+5 approach)
Design loadHS 15
Structure length1,401 ft (427 m)
Longest span500 ft (152.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,353 (2023)
Projected traffic4,694 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed55.3 mi (89 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$10 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 117 over Tennessee River built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 117 over Tennessee 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 117 over Tennessee River carry?

About 3,353 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 117 over Tennessee River?

The structure is 1,401 ft (427 m) long with a longest span of 500 ft (152.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SR 117 over Tennessee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.