US Bridges

SR 20 over Southern RR

Fair

Morgan County, Alabama · 0.6 M W JCT SR 20 & SR 3 · Structure no. 006594

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
105 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
24,970
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 20 over Southern RR is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying SR 20 over Southern RR in Morgan County, Alabama. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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. Its operating status is: open, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring.

It carries about 24,970 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 33,631 by 2033. The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 20
CrossesSouthern RR
Location0.6 M W JCT SR 20 & SR 3
RouteState Highway 20
CountyMorgan County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.6151, -86.9843
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length105 ft (32 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.5 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,970 (2024)
Projected traffic33,631 by 2033
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 20 over Southern RR built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 20 over 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SR 20 over Southern RR carry?

About 24,970 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SR 20 over Southern RR?

The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns SR 20 over Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.