US Bridges

US 31 over Mortar Creek

Fair

Autauga County, Alabama · 15.0 MI N of Prattville · Structure no. 000328

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1953
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
160 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,410
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over Mortar Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 31 over Mortar Creek in Autauga County, Alabama. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1953, so it is 99 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 6 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 3,410 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,380 by 2033. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 47.2 mi (76 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 31
CrossesMortar Creek
Location15.0 MI N of Prattville
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyAutauga County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.656, -86.4889
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.2 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,410 (2013)
Projected traffic4,380 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed47.2 mi (76 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 over Mortar Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1953.

What condition is US 31 over Mortar Creek 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 31 over Mortar Creek carry?

About 3,410 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Mortar Creek?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US 31 over Mortar Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.