US Bridges

US 43 over Tombigbee River

Fair

Washington County, Alabama · Washington * Clarke CO Li · Structure no. 010942

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
3,189 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
4,920
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 43 over Tombigbee River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying US 43 over Tombigbee River in Washington County, Alabama. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 4,920 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,320 by 2033. The structure is 3,189 ft (972 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 43
CrossesTombigbee River
LocationWashington * Clarke CO Li
RouteU.S. Route 43
CountyWashington County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.51884, -87.94096
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating47.4 US tons
Inventory rating28.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9 (+10 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length3,189 ft (972 m)
Longest span375 ft (114.3 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,920 (2013)
Projected traffic6,320 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$29.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 43 over Tombigbee River built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 43 over Tombigbee 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 43 over Tombigbee River carry?

About 4,920 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 43 over Tombigbee River?

The structure is 3,189 ft (972 m) long with a longest span of 375 ft (114.3 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns US 43 over Tombigbee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.