US Bridges

AL-253 over Buttahatchee River

Fair

Marion County, Alabama · 0.4 MI S JCT US 278 · Structure no. 005353

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
214 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
245
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-253 over Buttahatchee River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL-253 over Buttahatchee River in Marion County, Alabama. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 5 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 245 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 565 by 2040. The structure is 214 ft (65.2 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-253
CrossesButtahatchee River
Location0.4 MI S JCT US 278
RouteState Highway 253
CountyMarion County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.13261, -87.81819
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.8 US tons
Inventory rating22.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length214 ft (65.2 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic245 (2020)
Projected traffic565 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$1.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-253 over Buttahatchee River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-253 over Buttahatchee River 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 AL-253 over Buttahatchee River carry?

About 245 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is AL-253 over Buttahatchee River?

The structure is 214 ft (65.2 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns AL-253 over Buttahatchee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.