US Bridges

Al 79 over Dry Creek

Fair

Blount County, Alabama · .9 Mi. So. Al 160 · Structure no. 004659

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
224 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
5,234
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 79 over Dry Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Al 79 over Dry 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 5,234 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,851 by 2042. The structure is 224 ft (68.3 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 79
CrossesDry Creek
Location.9 Mi. So. Al 160
RouteState Highway 79
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.97111, -86.58889
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length224 ft (68.3 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,234 (2022)
Projected traffic7,851 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$1.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 79 over Dry Creek built?

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

What condition is Al 79 over Dry 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Al 79 over Dry Creek carry?

About 5,234 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Al 79 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 224 ft (68.3 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Al 79 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.