US Bridges

Al - 53 (us 231) over CSX RR

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · .6 Mi. No. CO RD 45 · Structure no. 003269

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
126 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,820
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 53 (us 231) over CSX RR is a concrete tee beam carrying Al - 53 (us 231) over CSX RR in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 4,820 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,265 by 2043. The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 53 (us 231)
CrossesCSX RR
Location.6 Mi. No. CO RD 45
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.68111, -86.27944
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating48.5 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length126 ft (38.4 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,820 (2023)
Projected traffic6,265 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 53 (us 231) over CSX RR built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 53 (us 231) over CSX RR 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 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 53 (us 231) over CSX RR carry?

About 4,820 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Al - 53 (us 231) over CSX RR?

The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 53 (us 231) over CSX RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.