US Bridges

US 431 over Guntersville Lake

Fair

Marshall County, Alabama · 0.5 MI S US431/AL79S · Structure no. 001705

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
127 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35,218
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 431 over Guntersville Lake is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 431 over Guntersville Lake in Marshall County, Alabama. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 35,218 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 49,305 by 2043. The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 431
CrossesGuntersville Lake
Location0.5 MI S US431/AL79S
RouteU.S. Route 431
CountyMarshall County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.32542, -86.31352
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating46.8 US tons
Inventory rating28.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length127 ft (38.7 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width62 ft (19 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35,218 (2023)
Projected traffic49,305 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 431 over Guntersville Lake built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 431 over Guntersville Lake 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does US 431 over Guntersville Lake carry?

About 35,218 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 431 over Guntersville Lake?

The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns US 431 over Guntersville Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.