US Bridges

Al - 79 over Hallmark Creek

Fair

Blount County, Alabama · 2.3 MI S Warrior River · Structure no. 004657

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,760
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 79 over Hallmark Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Al - 79 over Hallmark Creek in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1953, 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 6,760 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,151 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 79
CrossesHallmark Creek
Location2.3 MI S Warrior River
RouteState Highway 79
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.89611, -86.63639
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.2 US tons
Inventory rating24.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 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 traffic6,760 (2023)
Projected traffic8,151 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$396,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 79 over Hallmark Creek built?

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

What condition is Al - 79 over Hallmark 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 79 over Hallmark Creek carry?

About 6,760 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Al - 79 over Hallmark Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns Al - 79 over Hallmark Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.