US Bridges

US 431; SR1; SR79 over Tennessee River

Fair

Marshall County, Alabama · City of Guntersville · Structure no. 011785

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
2,853 ft
12 main spans
Daily traffic
9,481
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 431; SR1; SR79 over Tennessee River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying US 431; SR1; SR79 over Tennessee River in Marshall County, Alabama. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 9,481 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,274 by 2041. The structure is 2,853 ft (869.6 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 431; SR1; SR79
CrossesTennessee River
LocationCity of Guntersville
RouteU.S. Route 431
CountyMarshall County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.368, -86.28893
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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating38 US tons
Inventory rating28.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans12 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,853 ft (869.6 m)
Longest span375 ft (114.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,481 (2021)
Projected traffic13,274 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$27.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 431; SR1; SR79 over Tennessee River built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 431; SR1; SR79 over Tennessee 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US 431; SR1; SR79 over Tennessee River carry?

About 9,481 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 431; SR1; SR79 over Tennessee River?

The structure is 2,853 ft (869.6 m) long with a longest span of 375 ft (114.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 431; SR1; SR79 over Tennessee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.