US Bridges

Swann Bridge Road over Unk Creek to Locust Fork

PoorClosed to traffic

Blount County, Alabama · 1/2 MI W of Cleveland · Structure no. 003337

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2020
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
324
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Swann Bridge Road over Unk Creek to Locust Fork is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Swann Bridge Road over Unk Creek to Locust Fork in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 324 vehicles a day, projected to reach 481 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesSwann Bridge Road
CrossesUnk Creek to Locust Fork
Location1/2 MI W of Cleveland
RouteCounty Highway 123
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.99554, -86.60074
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2020
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.5 m)
Roadway width9 ft (2.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic324 (2020)
Projected traffic481 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$133,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Swann Bridge Road over Unk Creek to Locust Fork built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is Swann Bridge Road over Unk Creek to Locust Fork in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2020.

How much traffic does Swann Bridge Road over Unk Creek to Locust Fork carry?

About 324 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Swann Bridge Road over Unk Creek to Locust Fork?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Swann Bridge Road over Unk Creek to Locust Fork?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.