US Bridges

Co. Rd. 21 over Rice Creek

Fair

Baldwin County, Alabama · 1.7 Mi. N. of Al. Hwy. 59 · Structure no. 016218

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
747
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Rd. 21 over Rice Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Co. Rd. 21 over Rice Creek in Baldwin County, Alabama. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 years old, younger 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 747 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,008 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCo. Rd. 21
CrossesRice Creek
Location1.7 Mi. N. of Al. Hwy. 59
RouteCounty Highway 21
CountyBaldwin County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.02043, -87.86053
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.6 US tons
Inventory rating44.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic747 (2023)
Projected traffic1,008 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$721,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Rd. 21 over Rice Creek built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Rd. 21 over Rice 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Co. Rd. 21 over Rice Creek carry?

About 747 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Co. Rd. 21 over Rice Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Co. Rd. 21 over Rice Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.