US Bridges

US 31 over Murphy Creek

Fair

Blount County, Alabama · 2.1 Mi. No. I-65 · Structure no. 002643

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,400
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over Murphy Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 31 over Murphy Creek in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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 2,400 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,083 by 2044. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesUS 31
CrossesMurphy Creek
Location2.1 Mi. No. I-65
RouteU.S. Route 31
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.91031, -86.82651
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.8 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,400 (2024)
Projected traffic3,083 by 2044
Trucks9%
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

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$936,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 over Murphy Creek built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 31 over Murphy 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US 31 over Murphy Creek carry?

About 2,400 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Murphy Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US 31 over Murphy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.