US Bridges

Shady Grove RD over Sweetwater Branch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 0.3 MI E Ala HWY 53 · Structure no. 001496

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
200
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Shady Grove RD over Sweetwater Branch is a concrete slab carrying Shady Grove RD over Sweetwater Branch in Madison 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 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 240 by 2034. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesShady Grove RD
CrossesSweetwater Branch
Location0.3 MI E Ala HWY 53
RouteCounty Highway 114
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.92337, -86.76067
Functional classRural Local

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 inspectionApril 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (1992)
Projected traffic240 by 2034
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$218,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Shady Grove RD over Sweetwater Branch built?

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

What condition is Shady Grove RD over Sweetwater Branch 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Shady Grove RD over Sweetwater Branch carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Shady Grove RD over Sweetwater Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Shady Grove RD over Sweetwater Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.