US Bridges

I 65 over Southern RR

Fair

Limestone County, Alabama · 1 MI N JCT I 65 & I 565 · Structure no. 010191

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
187 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,830
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 65 over Southern RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 65 over Southern RR in Limestone County, Alabama. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 12,830 vehicles a day, roughly 39% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,254 by 2033. The structure is 187 ft (57 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 65
CrossesSouthern RR
Location1 MI N JCT I 65 & I 565
RouteInterstate 65
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.64572, -86.90723
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.8 US tons
Inventory rating29.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length187 ft (57 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,830 (2024)
Projected traffic16,254 by 2033
Trucks39%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$2.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I 65 over Southern RR built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 65 over Southern RR 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 I 65 over Southern RR carry?

About 12,830 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 39% are trucks.

How long is I 65 over Southern RR?

The structure is 187 ft (57 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I 65 over Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.