US Bridges

SR 53 over Tn River Relief

Good

Morgan County, Alabama · 3 MI N JCT SR 36 & SR 53 · Structure no. 013660

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
476 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
10,175
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 53 over Tn River Relief is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 53 over Tn River Relief in Morgan County, Alabama. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 10,175 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,226 by 2033. The structure is 476 ft (145.1 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesSR 53
CrossesTn River Relief
Location3 MI N JCT SR 36 & SR 53
RouteU.S. Route 231
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.56667, -86.575
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.8 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans14
Design loadHS 20
Structure length476 ft (145.1 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width59 ft (18 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,175 (2024)
Projected traffic13,226 by 2033
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$6.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 53 over Tn River Relief built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 53 over Tn River Relief in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 53 over Tn River Relief carry?

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

How long is SR 53 over Tn River Relief?

The structure is 476 ft (145.1 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns SR 53 over Tn River Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.