US Bridges

AL-74 over Sipsey River

Fair

Winston County, Alabama · 7 MI E JCT AL-33 · Structure no. 007095

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
465 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,197
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-74 over Sipsey River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL-74 over Sipsey River in Winston County, Alabama. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 3,197 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,884 by 2040. The structure is 465 ft (141.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-74
CrossesSipsey River
Location7 MI E JCT AL-33
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyWinston County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.144, -87.31569
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.9 US tons
Inventory rating25.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+6 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length465 ft (141.7 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,197 (2020)
Projected traffic3,884 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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$3.7 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-74 over Sipsey River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-74 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does AL-74 over Sipsey River carry?

About 3,197 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is AL-74 over Sipsey River?

The structure is 465 ft (141.7 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns AL-74 over Sipsey River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.