US Bridges

US 231 over Copeland Creek

Fair

Blount County, Alabama · .1 MI.NO.278 · Structure no. 002027

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1947
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,460
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 over Copeland Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 231 over Copeland Creek in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1947, so it is 86 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 5,460 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,097 by 2044. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 231
CrossesCopeland Creek
Location.1 MI.NO.278
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.16806, -86.51583
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.1 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 traffic5,460 (2024)
Projected traffic7,097 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$447,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231 over Copeland Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1947.

What condition is US 231 over Copeland 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 231 over Copeland Creek carry?

About 5,460 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 231 over Copeland Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 231 over Copeland Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.