US Bridges

I-59 over Tombigbee River

Fair

Sumter County, Alabama · Sumter * Green CO Line · Structure no. 011574

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
2,065 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
21,974
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-59 over Tombigbee River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying I-59 over Tombigbee River in Sumter County, Alabama. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 21,974 vehicles a day, roughly 44% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,007 by 2041. The structure is 2,065 ft (629.4 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-59
CrossesTombigbee River
LocationSumter * Green CO Line
RouteInterstate 59
CountySumter County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.73519, -88.10147
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.9 US tons
Inventory rating25.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+12 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,065 ft (629.4 m)
Longest span375 ft (114.3 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,974 (2021)
Projected traffic36,007 by 2041
Trucks44%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$18.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-59 over Tombigbee River built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-59 over Tombigbee 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 I-59 over Tombigbee River carry?

About 21,974 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 44% are trucks.

How long is I-59 over Tombigbee River?

The structure is 2,065 ft (629.4 m) long with a longest span of 375 ft (114.3 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns I-59 over Tombigbee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.