US Bridges

SR 99 over Elk River

Fair

Limestone County, Alabama · 9.3 M N JCT SR99 & SR127 · Structure no. 007474

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
764 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,260
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 99 over Elk River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying SR 99 over Elk River in Limestone County, Alabama. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 3,260 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,391 by 2033. The structure is 764 ft (232.9 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 99
CrossesElk River
Location9.3 M N JCT SR99 & SR127
RouteState Highway 99
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.9004, -87.0835
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating28.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+10 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length764 ft (232.9 m)
Longest span177 ft (53.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,260 (2024)
Projected traffic4,391 by 2033
Trucks4%
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$5.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 99 over Elk River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 99 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SR 99 over Elk River carry?

About 3,260 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is SR 99 over Elk River?

The structure is 764 ft (232.9 m) long with a longest span of 177 ft (53.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SR 99 over Elk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.