US Bridges

SR 79 over Guntersville Lake

Fair

Jackson County, Alabama · 9 MI S JCT US72 * SR79 · Structure no. 009838

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,986
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 79 over Guntersville Lake is a concrete culvert carrying SR 79 over Guntersville Lake in Jackson County, Alabama. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1969, 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 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 5,986 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,380 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 79
CrossesGuntersville Lake
Location9 MI S JCT US72 * SR79
RouteState Highway 79
CountyJackson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.57667, -86.12167
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,986 (2023)
Projected traffic8,380 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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$481,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 79 over Guntersville Lake built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is SR 79 over Guntersville Lake 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SR 79 over Guntersville Lake carry?

About 5,986 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 79 over Guntersville Lake?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m).

Who owns SR 79 over Guntersville Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.