US Bridges

SR 79 over Sauty Creek

Fair

Jackson County, Alabama · 7 MI S JCT US 72 * SR 79 · Structure no. 009837

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
341 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
6,622
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 79 over Sauty Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 79 over Sauty Creek in Jackson County, Alabama. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1969, so it is 89 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 6,622 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,271 by 2043. The structure is 341 ft (103.9 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 79
CrossesSauty Creek
Location7 MI S JCT US 72 * SR 79
RouteState Highway 79
CountyJackson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.59224, -86.09121
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.1 US tons
Inventory rating29.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length341 ft (103.9 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.2 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,622 (2023)
Projected traffic9,271 by 2043
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 79 over Sauty Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is SR 79 over Sauty Creek 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does SR 79 over Sauty Creek carry?

About 6,622 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is SR 79 over Sauty Creek?

The structure is 341 ft (103.9 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns SR 79 over Sauty Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.