US Bridges

US 72; SR 2 over Norfolk Southern

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · JCT US 72 * N/S RR · Structure no. 005778

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
132 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,495
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 72; SR 2 over Norfolk Southern is a concrete tee beam carrying US 72; SR 2 over Norfolk Southern in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 6 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 4,495 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,293 by 2043. The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 72; SR 2
CrossesNorfolk Southern
LocationJCT US 72 * N/S RR
RouteU.S. Route 72
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.76073, -86.57353
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.1 US tons
Inventory rating34.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length132 ft (40.2 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,495 (2023)
Projected traffic6,293 by 2043
Trucks4%
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 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 72; SR 2 over Norfolk Southern built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 72; SR 2 over Norfolk Southern 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US 72; SR 2 over Norfolk Southern carry?

About 4,495 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 72; SR 2 over Norfolk Southern?

The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 72; SR 2 over Norfolk Southern?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.