US Bridges

Mlk Jr. Blvd. over Slough

Fair

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · 2.5 MI E of JCT US No 11 · Structure no. 008935

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
68 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,200
1996 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mlk Jr. Blvd. over Slough is a concrete channel beam carrying Mlk Jr. Blvd. over Slough in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 1,200 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2035. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMlk Jr. Blvd.
CrossesSlough
Location2.5 MI E of JCT US No 11
RouteCounty Highway 505
CountyTuscaloosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.15803, -87.59716
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.3 US tons
Inventory rating45.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,200 (1996)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2035
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$642,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mlk Jr. Blvd. over Slough built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mlk Jr. Blvd. over Slough 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Mlk Jr. Blvd. over Slough carry?

About 1,200 vehicles per day (1996 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Mlk Jr. Blvd. over Slough?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Mlk Jr. Blvd. over Slough?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.