US Bridges

Ed Hembree Drive over Guntersville Lake

Fair

Jackson County, Alabama · 1.8 Miles South of SR 79 · Structure no. 021044

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
300
2024 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ed Hembree Drive over Guntersville Lake is a concrete channel beam carrying Ed Hembree Drive over Guntersville Lake in Jackson County, Alabama. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 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 300 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 446 by 2044. The structure is 44 ft (13.3 m) long and 34 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesEd Hembree Drive
CrossesGuntersville Lake
Location1.8 Miles South of SR 79
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJackson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.58238, -86.08268
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length44 ft (13.3 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (2024)
Projected traffic446 by 2044
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$513,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ed Hembree Drive over Guntersville Lake built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ed Hembree Drive 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Ed Hembree Drive over Guntersville Lake carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Ed Hembree Drive over Guntersville Lake?

The structure is 44 ft (13.3 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Ed Hembree Drive over Guntersville Lake?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.