US Bridges

US 72; SR 2 over Sparkman Drive

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 1 MI W JCT US72 * SR 53 · Structure no. 010263

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
205 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
21,772
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 72; SR 2 over Sparkman Drive is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 72; SR 2 over Sparkman Drive in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 21,772 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,482 by 2043. The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 72; SR 2
CrossesSparkman Drive
Location1 MI W JCT US72 * SR 53
RouteU.S. Route 72
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.73519, -86.64426
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating92.6 US tons
Inventory rating55.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length205 ft (62.5 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.7 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,772 (2024)
Projected traffic30,482 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 72; SR 2 over Sparkman Drive built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 72; SR 2 over Sparkman Drive 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 Sparkman Drive carry?

About 21,772 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 72; SR 2 over Sparkman Drive?

The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns US 72; SR 2 over Sparkman Drive?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.