US Bridges

Upper Columbus Rd. over Sipsey River Relief Brg.

Fair

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · 7.6 Mi. NW U.S.82 · Structure no. 017679

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
102 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
400
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Upper Columbus Rd. over Sipsey River Relief Brg. is a concrete channel beam carrying Upper Columbus Rd. over Sipsey River Relief Brg. in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 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 400 vehicles a day, projected to reach 500 by 2036. The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUpper Columbus Rd.
CrossesSipsey River Relief Brg.
Location7.6 Mi. NW U.S.82
RouteCounty Highway 83
CountyTuscaloosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.33545, -87.75398
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating81.7 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length102 ft (31.1 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 traffic400 (2018)
Projected traffic500 by 2036
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$897,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Upper Columbus Rd. over Sipsey River Relief Brg. built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is Upper Columbus Rd. over Sipsey River Relief Brg. 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 2024.

How much traffic does Upper Columbus Rd. over Sipsey River Relief Brg. carry?

About 400 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is Upper Columbus Rd. over Sipsey River Relief Brg.?

The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Upper Columbus Rd. over Sipsey River Relief Brg.?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.