US Bridges

Al 160 over Pannel Creek

Poor

Blount County, Alabama · Al 160 * Pannel Ck · Structure no. 003889

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,441
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 160 over Pannel Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Al 160 over Pannel Creek in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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.

It carries about 4,441 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,282 by 2044. The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 160
CrossesPannel Creek
LocationAl 160 * Pannel Ck
RouteState Highway 160
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.91667, -86.71028
Functional classRural Major Collector

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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (6.9 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 traffic4,441 (2024)
Projected traffic7,282 by 2044
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$823,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 160 over Pannel Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 160 over Pannel Creek 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Al 160 over Pannel Creek carry?

About 4,441 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is Al 160 over Pannel Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Al 160 over Pannel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.