US Bridges

CO Highway No 140 over Sipsey River

Fair

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · 1.6 MI West of Buhl · Structure no. 012048

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
493 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
900
1997 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Highway No 140 over Sipsey River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO Highway No 140 over Sipsey River in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 900 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,100 by 2036. The structure is 493 ft (150.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesCO Highway No 140
CrossesSipsey River
Location1.6 MI West of Buhl
RouteCounty Highway 140
CountyTuscaloosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.25709, -87.77687
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.9 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+13 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length493 ft (150.3 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic900 (1997)
Projected traffic1,100 by 2036
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$3.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Highway No 140 over Sipsey River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Highway No 140 over Sipsey 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does CO Highway No 140 over Sipsey River carry?

About 900 vehicles per day (1997 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO Highway No 140 over Sipsey River?

The structure is 493 ft (150.3 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns CO Highway No 140 over Sipsey River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.