US Bridges

Franklin Ferry RD over Black Warrior River

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Jeff-Walker CO Line · Structure no. 013831

Built
1969
56 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
1,658 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,210
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Franklin Ferry RD over Black Warrior River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying Franklin Ferry RD over Black Warrior River in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1969 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 56 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 1,210 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,680 by 2043. The structure is 1,658 ft (505.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.2 mi (47 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFranklin Ferry RD
CrossesBlack Warrior River
LocationJeff-Walker CO Line
RouteCounty Highway 807
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.52557, -87.23826
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating46.8 US tons
Inventory rating28.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7 (+5 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,658 ft (505.4 m)
Longest span300 ft (91.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,210 (2023)
Projected traffic1,680 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.2 mi (47 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$12.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Franklin Ferry RD over Black Warrior River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is Franklin Ferry RD over Black Warrior 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Franklin Ferry RD over Black Warrior River carry?

About 1,210 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Franklin Ferry RD over Black Warrior River?

The structure is 1,658 ft (505.4 m) long with a longest span of 300 ft (91.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Franklin Ferry RD over Black Warrior River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.