US Bridges

SR 53 over I 65

Fair

Limestone County, Alabama · JCT SR 53 & I 65 · Structure no. 008797

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
324 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,700
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 53 over I 65 is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying SR 53 over I 65 in Limestone County, Alabama. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 4,700 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,109 by 2033. The structure is 324 ft (98.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 53
CrossesI 65
LocationJCT SR 53 & I 65
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.9727, -86.88386
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating67.2 US tons
Inventory rating40.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length324 ft (98.8 m)
Longest span89 ft (27.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,700 (2024)
Projected traffic6,109 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 53 over I 65 built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 53 over I 65 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 53 over I 65 carry?

About 4,700 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 53 over I 65?

The structure is 324 ft (98.8 m) long with a longest span of 89 ft (27.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR 53 over I 65?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.