US Bridges

SR 53 over Tennessee River

Fair

Morgan County, Alabama · Morgan-Madison CO Line · Structure no. 008809

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
2,047 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,175
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 53 over Tennessee River is a steel truss - thru carrying SR 53 over Tennessee River in Morgan County, Alabama. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 10,175 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,226 by 2033. The structure is 2,047 ft (623.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 53
CrossesTennessee River
LocationMorgan-Madison CO Line
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyMorgan County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.575, -86.56667
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating32.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+9 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,047 ft (623.9 m)
Longest span360 ft (109.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,175 (2024)
Projected traffic13,226 by 2033
Trucks3%
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$15.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 53 over Tennessee River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 53 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 53 over Tennessee River carry?

About 10,175 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SR 53 over Tennessee River?

The structure is 2,047 ft (623.9 m) long with a longest span of 360 ft (109.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR 53 over Tennessee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.