US Bridges

SR 53 over Limestone Creek

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 15 MI N JCT US72 * SR53 · Structure no. 005950

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
200 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
12,702
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 53 over Limestone Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 53 over Limestone Creek 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 12,702 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,783 by 2043. The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 53
CrossesLimestone Creek
Location15 MI N JCT US72 * SR53
RouteState Highway 53
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.91985, -86.76426
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating40.3 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length200 ft (61 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,702 (2023)
Projected traffic17,783 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$1.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 53 over Limestone Creek built?

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

What condition is SR 53 over Limestone Creek 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 SR 53 over Limestone Creek carry?

About 12,702 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 53 over Limestone Creek?

The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR 53 over Limestone Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.