US Bridges

SR 255 over Norfolk Southern

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 0.1 MI N JCT I565 * SR255 · Structure no. 014766

Built
1968
57 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
288 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
34,608
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 255 over Norfolk Southern is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 255 over Norfolk Southern in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1968 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 57 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 34,608 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 48,452 by 2041. The structure is 288 ft (87.8 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 255
CrossesNorfolk Southern
Location0.1 MI N JCT I565 * SR255
RouteState Highway 255
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.70831, -86.67142
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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 inspectionMay 2023
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 rating87 US tons
Inventory rating52.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length288 ft (87.8 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.7 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,608 (2021)
Projected traffic48,452 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 255 over Norfolk Southern built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is SR 255 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR 255 over Norfolk Southern carry?

About 34,608 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is SR 255 over Norfolk Southern?

The structure is 288 ft (87.8 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns SR 255 over Norfolk Southern?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.