Alabama Bridge Infrastructure: A Complete Analysis
A comprehensive look at Alabama's bridge inventory, including condition grades, highest-traffic crossings, worst-rated structures, and oldest bridges.
Alabama is home to 16,181 bridges spanning 67 counties, making it one of the most significant bridge inventories in the country. These bridges carry a combined 83,215,791 vehicle crossings every day. Here is a comprehensive look at the state of Alabama's bridge infrastructure based on the latest National Bridge Inventory data.
16,181
Total Bridges
B
Infrastructure Grade
3.4%
Poor Condition
52 years
Average Age
Alabama at a Glance
Alabama earns an overall infrastructure grade of B based on the percentage of its bridges in poor condition. Currently, 545 bridges (3.4%) are rated poor, compared to the national average of 6.7%. The average bridge in Alabama is 52 years old, older than the national average of 48 years.
Of the state's 16,181 bridges, 5,801 are in good condition, 9,835 are fair, and 545 are poor. View the full breakdown on the [Alabama report card](/reports/alabama).
Most-Traveled Bridges in Alabama
These are the bridges carrying the highest daily traffic volumes across Alabama. High-traffic bridges are critical infrastructure -- their condition directly affects the commutes of tens of thousands of drivers.
| # | Bridge | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | COUNTY ROAD 54 over PINEY WOODS CREEK | 78.5 |
| 2 | I - 20/59 EAST over I - 20/59 WEST | 69.5 |
| 3 | I - 20/59 over STREAM | 64.0 |
| 4 | I - 65 over 6TH AVE. SOUTH | 61.5 |
| 5 | I - 65 over 4TH. AVE. NORTH | 63.1 |
| 6 | I - 65 over U.S.11 RR*CITY STREETS | 54.5 |
| 7 | I - 65 over 3RD AVE NORTH | 59.7 |
| 8 | I - 65 over 2ND AVE NO | 62.3 |
| 9 | I - 20/59 EAST over I - 65 SOUTH | 65.3 |
| 10 | I - 20/59 EAST over I - 20/59 WEST | 54.8 |
Worst-Condition Bridges in Alabama
The following bridges have the lowest sufficiency ratings in Alabama. These structures are the most likely candidates for federal repair or replacement funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
| # | Bridge | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Timberlane Rd. over Spear Creek | 4.8 |
| 2 | CURRY CHAPEL ROAD over COTACO CREEK | 7.0 |
| 3 | ALABAMA AVENUE over SOUTHERN RAILROAD | 7.5 |
| 4 | JOHNSON ST over SCL RAILROAD | 8.1 |
| 5 | FAIRWAY RD over WILLS CREEK | 8.7 |
| 6 | PINE HOLE ROAD over CSX RAILROAD | 10.0 |
| 7 | CO RT #68 over SOUTHRAIL RAILROAD | 10.6 |
| 8 | CO RD A45 over HOLCOMB BRANCH | 10.6 |
| 9 | GRAVEL ROAD over SIPSEY CREEK | 10.9 |
| 10 | MEANS RD. over BLACK CREEK | 11.0 |
Oldest Bridges in Alabama
Alabama's oldest bridges tell the story of the state's transportation history. Some of these structures have been in continuous service for over a century.
| # | Bridge | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kahn St over Genetta Ditch | 66.2 |
| 2 | Flood St over Genetta Ditch | 60.1 |
| 3 | FAULKNER RD. over Unamed Branch | 38.5 |
| 4 | Auburn St over Genetta Ditch | 60.1 |
| 5 | Taft St over Genetta Ditch | 66.2 |
| 6 | Early St. over Genetta Ditch | 19.3 |
| 7 | Troy St over Genetta Ditch | 60.1 |
| 8 | Wade St over Genetta Ditch | 61.8 |
| 9 | Alexander St over Genetta Ditch | 66.2 |
| 10 | Rosa Parks Ave over Genetta Ditch | 67.9 |
What These Numbers Mean for Alabama
Alabama's bridge infrastructure grade of B reflects both the current condition of the state's bridges and the scale of the challenge ahead. With an average bridge age of 52 years, many of these structures are approaching or past the 50-75 year design life typical of most bridges. The state's ability to maintain and replace aging bridges will determine whether conditions improve or deteriorate in the coming decade.
For county-by-county breakdowns, historical trends, and individual bridge profiles, visit the [Alabama state page](/bridges/alabama) or the [Alabama report card](/reports/alabama). You can also explore how Alabama compares to other states in our [state rankings](/blog/best-bridge-infrastructure-by-state-2025).
Data source: All data comes from the National Bridge Inventory maintained by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). BridgeStats is not affiliated with the U.S. government. Data is provided for informational purposes only.
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