US Bridges

SR 53 over Tennessee River

Fair

Morgan County, Alabama · Morgan-Madison CO Line · Structure no. 018641

Built
2006
19 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
2,075 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
10,175
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 53 over Tennessee River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 53 over Tennessee River in Morgan County, Alabama. It was built in 2006, so it is 19 years old, younger 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 6 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 2,075 ft (632.5 m) long and 58 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
Coordinates34.5733, -86.5699
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.9 US tons
Inventory rating44.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,075 ft (632.5 m)
Longest span975 ft (297.2 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.7 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 structure3
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$27.7 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 2006, making it 19 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 2,075 ft (632.5 m) long with a longest span of 975 ft (297.2 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns SR 53 over Tennessee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.