US Bridges

Al 79 over Lil Self Ck

Fair

Blount County, Alabama · 2 Mi. No.Jeff CO LN · Structure no. 004654

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,090
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 79 over Lil Self Ck is a concrete culvert carrying Al 79 over Lil Self Ck in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 72 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 8,090 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,755 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesAl 79
CrossesLil Self Ck
Location2 Mi. No.Jeff CO LN
RouteState Highway 79
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.82361, -86.66833
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating55.4 US tons
Inventory rating33.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 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 traffic8,090 (2023)
Projected traffic9,755 by 2043
Trucks8%
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$504,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 79 over Lil Self Ck built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is Al 79 over Lil Self Ck 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Al 79 over Lil Self Ck carry?

About 8,090 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Al 79 over Lil Self Ck?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Al 79 over Lil Self Ck?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.