US Bridges

Al 81 over W. of Al. RR

Poor

Macon County, Alabama · In Notasulga · Structure no. 001489

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
445 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,660
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 81 over W. of Al. RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al 81 over W. of Al. RR in Macon County, Alabama. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,660 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,312 by 2033. The structure is 445 ft (135.6 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 81
CrossesW. of Al. RR
LocationIn Notasulga
RouteState Highway 81
CountyMacon County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.54924, -85.67684
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.5 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+14 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length445 ft (135.6 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,660 (2013)
Projected traffic2,312 by 2033
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 81 over W. of Al. RR built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 81 over W. of Al. RR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does Al 81 over W. of Al. RR carry?

About 1,660 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Al 81 over W. of Al. RR?

The structure is 445 ft (135.6 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Al 81 over W. of Al. RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.