US Bridges

US 231; SR 53 over Drake Ave

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · Drake Ave / * SR 53 · Structure no. 010978

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
410 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
81,694
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231; SR 53 over Drake Ave is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 231; SR 53 over Drake Ave in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 410 ft (125 m) long and 91 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 231; SR 53
CrossesDrake Ave
LocationDrake Ave / * SR 53
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.70667, -86.59
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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating61.2 US tons
Inventory rating36.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length410 ft (125 m)
Longest span95 ft (29 m)
Deck width91 ft (27.8 m)
Roadway width84 ft (25.5 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$9.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231; SR 53 over Drake Ave built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 231; SR 53 over Drake Ave 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 Drake Ave carry?

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

How long is US 231; SR 53 over Drake Ave?

The structure is 410 ft (125 m) long with a longest span of 95 ft (29 m) and a deck 91 ft wide.

Who owns US 231; SR 53 over Drake Ave?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.