US Bridges

SR 2 over Elk River

Fair

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 3.7 M E JCT SR 2 & SR207 · Structure no. 001387

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
1,582 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,150
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 2 over Elk River is a steel truss - thru carrying SR 2 over Elk River in Lauderdale County, Alabama. It was built in 1936, 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 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 5,150 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,259 by 2033. The structure is 1,582 ft (482.2 m) long and 27 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 2
CrossesElk River
Location3.7 M E JCT SR 2 & SR207
RouteU.S. Route 72
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.80308, -87.2301
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.2 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+20 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length1,582 ft (482.2 m)
Longest span200 ft (61 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,150 (2024)
Projected traffic6,259 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$9.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 2 over Elk River built?

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

What condition is SR 2 over Elk 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SR 2 over Elk River carry?

About 5,150 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SR 2 over Elk River?

The structure is 1,582 ft (482.2 m) long with a longest span of 200 ft (61 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SR 2 over Elk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.