US Bridges

US 231; SR 53 over Service Road Loop

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · Useless Drake · Structure no. 010056

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
286 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
81,694
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231; SR 53 over Service Road Loop is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 231; SR 53 over Service Road Loop in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 81,694 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 114,372 by 2043. The structure is 286 ft (87.2 m) long and 89 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 231; SR 53
CrossesService Road Loop
LocationUseless Drake
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.69771, -86.58448
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating87.5 US tons
Inventory rating52.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length286 ft (87.2 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width89 ft (27.2 m)
Roadway width82 ft (24.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic81,694 (2023)
Projected traffic114,372 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$6.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231; SR 53 over Service Road Loop built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 231; SR 53 over Service Road Loop 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 231; SR 53 over Service Road Loop carry?

About 81,694 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 231; SR 53 over Service Road Loop?

The structure is 286 ft (87.2 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 89 ft wide.

Who owns US 231; SR 53 over Service Road Loop?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.