US Bridges

Elk Riv Mills Rd* over Elk River

FairPosted for load

Limestone County, Alabama · SEC25 T2S R6W · Structure no. 005203

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
508 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,380
2010 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Elk Riv Mills Rd* over Elk River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Elk Riv Mills Rd* over Elk River 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,380 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,540 by 2030. The structure is 508 ft (154.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

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CarriesElk Riv Mills Rd*
CrossesElk River
LocationSEC25 T2S R6W
RouteCounty Highway 26
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.84762, -87.11794
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.2 US tons
Inventory rating20.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length508 ft (154.8 m)
Longest span131 ft (39.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,380 (2010)
Projected traffic3,540 by 2030
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$2.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Elk Riv Mills Rd* over Elk River built?

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

What condition is Elk Riv Mills Rd* 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Elk Riv Mills Rd* over Elk River carry?

About 2,380 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Elk Riv Mills Rd* over Elk River?

The structure is 508 ft (154.8 m) long with a longest span of 131 ft (39.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Elk Riv Mills Rd* over Elk River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.