US Bridges

County Road 27 over Blackburn Fork River

FairPosted for load

Blount County, Alabama · 4 MI N of Holly Springs · Structure no. 005755

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
200 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,772
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 27 over Blackburn Fork River is a concrete tee beam carrying County Road 27 over Blackburn Fork River in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 2,772 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,118 by 2044. The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 27
CrossesBlackburn Fork River
Location4 MI N of Holly Springs
RouteCounty Highway 27
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.86572, -86.44336
Functional classRural Major 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.1 US tons
Inventory rating23.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length200 ft (61 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,772 (2024)
Projected traffic4,118 by 2044
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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$1.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 27 over Blackburn Fork River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 27 over Blackburn Fork River 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 27 over Blackburn Fork River carry?

About 2,772 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is County Road 27 over Blackburn Fork River?

The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 27 over Blackburn Fork River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.