US Bridges

Old Parrish Oakman over Southern RR

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · 1 1/2 Mile W Parrish · Structure no. 002213

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
73 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,000
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Parrish Oakman over Southern RR is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Old Parrish Oakman over Southern RR in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 1,000 vehicles a day, roughly 40% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,100 by 2031. The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Parrish Oakman
CrossesSouthern RR
Location1 1/2 Mile W Parrish
RouteCounty Highway 20
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.71667, -87.33333
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.1 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length73 ft (22.3 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,000 (1991)
Projected traffic1,100 by 2031
Trucks40%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$573,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Parrish Oakman over Southern RR built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Parrish Oakman over Southern RR 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Old Parrish Oakman over Southern RR carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (1991 count), of which roughly 40% are trucks.

How long is Old Parrish Oakman over Southern RR?

The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Old Parrish Oakman over Southern RR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.