US Bridges

SR 3 over Swan Creek

Fair

Limestone County, Alabama · 2 MI N JCT SR 3 & SR 2 · Structure no. 005086

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
180 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,895
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 3 over Swan Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 3 over Swan Creek in Limestone County, Alabama. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 5,895 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,572 by 2033. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 3
CrossesSwan Creek
Location2 MI N JCT SR 3 & SR 2
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.81471, -86.94635
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating55.4 US tons
Inventory rating33.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,895 (2023)
Projected traffic7,572 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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$1.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 3 over Swan Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 3 over Swan 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does SR 3 over Swan Creek carry?

About 5,895 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 3 over Swan Creek?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR 3 over Swan Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.