US Bridges

SR 127 over Elk River

Fair

Limestone County, Alabama · 2 MI S Al & Tn ST Line · Structure no. 003495

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
1,079 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,850
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 127 over Elk River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying SR 127 over Elk River in Limestone County, Alabama. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 1,850 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,144 by 2033. The structure is 1,079 ft (329 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 127
CrossesElk River
Location2 MI S Al & Tn ST Line
RouteState Highway 127
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.96695, -87.01735
Functional classRural Major 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating41.3 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+21 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length1,079 ft (329 m)
Longest span140 ft (42.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,850 (2024)
Projected traffic2,144 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$7.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 127 over Elk River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 127 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SR 127 over Elk River carry?

About 1,850 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SR 127 over Elk River?

The structure is 1,079 ft (329 m) long with a longest span of 140 ft (42.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SR 127 over Elk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.