US Bridges

I 65 over Tennessee River

Fair

Morgan County, Alabama · Morgan-Limestone Coline · Structure no. 010882

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
9,966 ft
13 main spans
Daily traffic
17,375
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 65 over Tennessee River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying I 65 over Tennessee River in Morgan County, Alabama. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 17,375 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,013 by 2033. The structure is 9,966 ft (3,037.6 m) long and 43 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 65
CrossesTennessee River
LocationMorgan-Limestone Coline
RouteInterstate 65
CountyMorgan County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.57339, -86.90972
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.5 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans13 (+141 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length9,966 ft (3,037.6 m)
Longest span375 ft (114.3 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,375 (2021)
Projected traffic22,013 by 2033
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate 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$98.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I 65 over Tennessee River built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 65 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does I 65 over Tennessee River carry?

About 17,375 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is I 65 over Tennessee River?

The structure is 9,966 ft (3,037.6 m) long with a longest span of 375 ft (114.3 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I 65 over Tennessee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.