US Bridges

Al - 53 (us 231) over Norfolk Southern

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · .2 MI.NO.I-59 · Structure no. 003273

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
138 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,680
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 53 (us 231) over Norfolk Southern is a concrete tee beam carrying Al - 53 (us 231) over Norfolk Southern 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 7,680 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,983 by 2043. The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 53 (us 231)
CrossesNorfolk Southern
Location.2 MI.NO.I-59
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.86811, -86.29076
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating51.3 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length138 ft (42.1 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,680 (2023)
Projected traffic9,983 by 2043
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$937,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 53 (us 231) over Norfolk Southern built?

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

What condition is Al - 53 (us 231) over Norfolk Southern 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 53 (us 231) over Norfolk Southern carry?

About 7,680 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is Al - 53 (us 231) over Norfolk Southern?

The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 53 (us 231) over Norfolk Southern?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.