US Bridges

SR 3 over Southern RR

Fair

Limestone County, Alabama · 0.2 M N JCT SR 3 & SR 20 · Structure no. 001391

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
107 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,210
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 3 over Southern RR is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying SR 3 over Southern RR in Limestone 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 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 8,210 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,546 by 2033. The structure is 107 ft (32.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 3
CrossesSouthern RR
Location0.2 M N JCT SR 3 & SR 20
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.63269, -86.95103
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.6 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length107 ft (32.6 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,210 (2023)
Projected traffic10,546 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$842,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 3 over Southern RR built?

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

What condition is SR 3 over Southern RR 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 SR 3 over Southern RR carry?

About 8,210 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 3 over Southern RR?

The structure is 107 ft (32.6 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SR 3 over Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.