US Bridges

CR-53 over I-85

Fair

Macon County, Alabama · 3.5 MI N of Al 81 · Structure no. 008896

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
255 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,220
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR-53 over I-85 is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying CR-53 over I-85 in Macon 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 2,220 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,709 by 2033. The structure is 255 ft (77.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR-53
CrossesI-85
Location3.5 MI N of Al 81
RouteState Highway 186
CountyMacon County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.48682, -85.63617
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating55.2 US tons
Inventory rating33.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length255 ft (77.7 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,220 (2013)
Projected traffic2,709 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$2.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was CR-53 over I-85 built?

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

What condition is CR-53 over I-85 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 CR-53 over I-85 carry?

About 2,220 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is CR-53 over I-85?

The structure is 255 ft (77.7 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns CR-53 over I-85?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.