US Bridges

Al 69 over North River (lake Tusc)

Fair

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · 8.5 MI N of Tuscaloosa · Structure no. 010381

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
865 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,239
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 69 over North River (lake Tusc) is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying Al 69 over North River (lake Tusc) in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 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 2,239 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,016 by 2041. The structure is 865 ft (263.7 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 69
CrossesNorth River (lake Tusc)
Location8.5 MI N of Tuscaloosa
RouteState Highway 69
CountyTuscaloosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.35298, -87.55439
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.4 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length865 ft (263.7 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.9 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,239 (2021)
Projected traffic3,016 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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$9.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 69 over North River (lake Tusc) built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 69 over North River (lake Tusc) 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Al 69 over North River (lake Tusc) carry?

About 2,239 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Al 69 over North River (lake Tusc)?

The structure is 865 ft (263.7 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.9 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns Al 69 over North River (lake Tusc)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.