US Bridges

SR53 over Northfork * Southern RR

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · JCT SR53 * Southern RR · Structure no. 015198

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
67 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
26,819
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR53 over Northfork * Southern RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR53 over Northfork * Southern RR in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger 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 26,819 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 37,547 by 2042. The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long and 140 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR53
CrossesNorthfork * Southern RR
LocationJCT SR53 * Southern RR
RouteState Highway 53
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.7208, -86.62754
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 inspectionFebruary 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 rating63.5 US tons
Inventory rating48.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length67 ft (20.4 m)
Longest span67 ft (20.4 m)
Deck width140 ft (42.6 m)
Roadway width109 ft (33.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,819 (2022)
Projected traffic37,547 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
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$2.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR53 over Northfork * Southern RR built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR53 over Northfork * Southern RR 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SR53 over Northfork * Southern RR carry?

About 26,819 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is SR53 over Northfork * Southern RR?

The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.4 m) and a deck 140 ft wide.

Who owns SR53 over Northfork * Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.