US Bridges

SR 79 over Norfolk Southern

Fair

Jackson County, Alabama · JCT SR 79 * N/S R R · Structure no. 006679

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
73 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,890
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 79 over Norfolk Southern is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 79 over Norfolk Southern in Jackson County, Alabama. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 3,890 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,446 by 2042. The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 79
CrossesNorfolk Southern
LocationJCT SR 79 * N/S R R
RouteState Highway 79
CountyJackson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.69552, -86.10448
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.7 US tons
Inventory rating26.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length73 ft (22.3 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,890 (2022)
Projected traffic5,446 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$755,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 79 over Norfolk Southern built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 79 over Norfolk Southern 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does SR 79 over Norfolk Southern carry?

About 3,890 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SR 79 over Norfolk Southern?

The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR 79 over Norfolk Southern?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.