State Route 116 (SR 116) is a 9.482 mi state highway in Sumter County in the western part of the U.S. state of Alabama.

Route description

Alabama State Route 116 begins at its intersection with State Route 17, north of Emelle, and runs as a two-lane highway. It connects the northern half of Sumter County with Greene County and passes through rural areas without crossing any towns until it reaches Gainesville, where it ends at an intersection with State Route 39.

History

Established in 1963, it was created as a replacement for the former Sumter County Route 26. The route connects State Route 17 near the town of Emelle with State Route 39 in Gainesville, passing through mostly rural areas without intersecting any major towns along the way. SR 116 serves as a connector road, facilitating local travel between these state routes in the northern part of Sumter County. The highway is a simple two-lane road for its entire length, and it is part of Alabama’s state highway system maintained by the Alabama Department of Transportation. Alabama State Route 116 also connects to a site of historical significance in Gainesville. At its junction with State Route 39, it passes the Gainesville Historic District, which includes a mid-19th century bandstand and park. This area, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, served as a community gathering spot for events like concerts and political rallies. The district is noted for its Greek Revival architecture, reflecting the cultural heritage of the region.

Major intersections