US Bridges

SR 48 over Tallapoosa River

Fair

Randolph County, Alabama · 6 MI W of Wedowee · Structure no. 012028

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
1,510 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,754
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 48 over Tallapoosa River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying SR 48 over Tallapoosa River in Randolph County, Alabama. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 1,754 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,455 by 2043. The structure is 1,510 ft (460.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 47.2 mi (76 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 48
CrossesTallapoosa River
Location6 MI W of Wedowee
RouteState Highway 48
CountyRandolph County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.30606, -85.57183
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.2 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,510 ft (460.2 m)
Longest span203 ft (61.9 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,754 (2023)
Projected traffic2,455 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed47.2 mi (76 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$14.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 48 over Tallapoosa River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 48 over Tallapoosa 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does SR 48 over Tallapoosa River carry?

About 1,754 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SR 48 over Tallapoosa River?

The structure is 1,510 ft (460.2 m) long with a longest span of 203 ft (61.9 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SR 48 over Tallapoosa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.