US Bridges

US 231 Sbl over Tallapoosa River

Fair

Montgomery County, Alabama · Montgomery Elmore CO Line · Structure no. 005162

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
1,070 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
16,115
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 Sbl over Tallapoosa River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying US 231 Sbl over Tallapoosa River in Montgomery 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 16,115 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,962 by 2033. The structure is 1,070 ft (326.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 231 Sbl
CrossesTallapoosa River
LocationMontgomery Elmore CO Line
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyMontgomery County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.455, -86.20333
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
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 inspectionOctober 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+13 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length1,070 ft (326.1 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.9 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,115 (2013)
Projected traffic21,962 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$7.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231 Sbl over Tallapoosa River built?

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

What condition is US 231 Sbl over Tallapoosa 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 231 Sbl over Tallapoosa River carry?

About 16,115 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 231 Sbl over Tallapoosa River?

The structure is 1,070 ft (326.1 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.9 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US 231 Sbl over Tallapoosa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.