US Bridges

SR 157 over Elam Creek

Fair

Lawrence County, Alabama · 5.6 M S JCT SR157 & SR24 · Structure no. 009793

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
260 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,535
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 157 over Elam Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 157 over Elam Creek in Lawrence County, Alabama. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 3,535 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,237 by 2033. The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 157
CrossesElam Creek
Location5.6 M S JCT SR157 & SR24
RouteState Highway 157
CountyLawrence County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.45253, -87.22778
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 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
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.8 US tons
Inventory rating37.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length260 ft (79.2 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,535 (2023)
Projected traffic4,237 by 2033
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
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$2.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 157 over Elam Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 157 over Elam Creek 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does SR 157 over Elam Creek carry?

About 3,535 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is SR 157 over Elam Creek?

The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR 157 over Elam Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.