US Bridges

County Road 29 over Highland Lake

FairPosted for load

Blount County, Alabama · 3 1/2 South of Champion · Structure no. 004976

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
108 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,052
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 29 over Highland Lake is a concrete tee beam carrying County Road 29 over Highland Lake in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,052 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,049 by 2044. The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 29
CrossesHighland Lake
Location3 1/2 South of Champion
RouteCounty Highway 29
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.8974, -86.4161
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating40.9 US tons
Inventory rating24.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length108 ft (32.9 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,052 (2024)
Projected traffic3,049 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$724,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 29 over Highland Lake built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 29 over Highland Lake 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 29 over Highland Lake carry?

About 2,052 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is County Road 29 over Highland Lake?

The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 29 over Highland Lake?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.