US Bridges

SR 157 over Sweet Water

Fair

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 0.8 M S JCT SR157 & SR 2 · Structure no. 019406

Built
2004
21 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
106 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,430
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 157 over Sweet Water is a concrete culvert carrying SR 157 over Sweet Water in Lauderdale County, Alabama. It was built in 2004, so it is 21 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 12,430 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,899 by 2033. The structure is 106 ft (32.2 m) long.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 157
CrossesSweet Water
Location0.8 M S JCT SR157 & SR 2
RouteState Highway 157
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.80586, -87.655
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.8 US tons
Inventory rating44.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length106 ft (32.2 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,430 (2023)
Projected traffic14,899 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$36.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 157 over Sweet Water built?

It was built in 2004, making it 21 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 157 over Sweet Water 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does SR 157 over Sweet Water carry?

About 12,430 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 157 over Sweet Water?

The structure is 106 ft (32.2 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.1 m).

Who owns SR 157 over Sweet Water?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.