US Bridges

SR 127 over Elk River Relief

Fair

Limestone County, Alabama · 1.7 M S Al & Tn ST Line · Structure no. 003496

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
306 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
1,827
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 127 over Elk River Relief is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 127 over Elk River Relief 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 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 1,827 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,144 by 2033. The structure is 306 ft (93.3 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 127
CrossesElk River Relief
Location1.7 M S Al & Tn ST Line
RouteState Highway 127
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.97167, -87.02167
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
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.3 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadH 20
Structure length306 ft (93.3 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,827 (2024)
Projected traffic2,144 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$2.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 127 over Elk River Relief built?

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

What condition is SR 127 over Elk River Relief 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 Relief carry?

About 1,827 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR 127 over Elk River Relief?

The structure is 306 ft (93.3 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SR 127 over Elk River Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.