US Bridges

SR 56 over Escatawpa River

Fair

Washington County, Alabama · 2.8 Mi. E. of Miss.St.Ln. · Structure no. 003800

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
340 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
1,280
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 56 over Escatawpa River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 56 over Escatawpa River in Washington County, Alabama. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 5 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 1,280 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,635 by 2033. The structure is 340 ft (103.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.2 mi (47 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 56
CrossesEscatawpa River
Location2.8 Mi. E. of Miss.St.Ln.
RouteState Highway 56
CountyWashington County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.46235, -88.40801
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating54.9 US tons
Inventory rating39.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadH 15
Structure length340 ft (103.6 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,280 (2013)
Projected traffic1,635 by 2033
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.2 mi (47 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 56 over Escatawpa River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 56 over Escatawpa 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SR 56 over Escatawpa River carry?

About 1,280 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is SR 56 over Escatawpa River?

The structure is 340 ft (103.6 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SR 56 over Escatawpa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.