US Bridges

AL-257 over Sipsey River

Fair

Winston County, Alabama · Duncan Bridge · Structure no. 009371

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
1,035 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,476
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-257 over Sipsey River is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying AL-257 over Sipsey River in Winston County, Alabama. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 4,476 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,360 by 2040. The structure is 1,035 ft (315.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.3 mi (60 km).

Location

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CarriesAL-257
CrossesSipsey River
LocationDuncan Bridge
RouteState Highway 257
CountyWinston County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.00085, -87.22234
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating32.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,035 ft (315.5 m)
Longest span361 ft (110 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,476 (2020)
Projected traffic4,360 by 2040
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed37.3 mi (60 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$7.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-257 over Sipsey River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-257 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does AL-257 over Sipsey River carry?

About 4,476 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is AL-257 over Sipsey River?

The structure is 1,035 ft (315.5 m) long with a longest span of 361 ft (110 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns AL-257 over Sipsey River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.