US Bridges

County Road 47 over Mulberry Fork

FairPosted for load

Blount County, Alabama · 8 MI W of Blountsville · Structure no. 005864

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
326 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,522
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 47 over Mulberry Fork is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying County Road 47 over Mulberry Fork 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 1,522 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,261 by 2043. The structure is 326 ft (99.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

CarriesCounty Road 47
CrossesMulberry Fork
Location8 MI W of Blountsville
RouteCounty Highway 47
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.08634, -86.69642
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.5 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length326 ft (99.4 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,522 (2023)
Projected traffic2,261 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 47 over Mulberry Fork built?

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

What condition is County Road 47 over Mulberry Fork 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 2023.

How much traffic does County Road 47 over Mulberry Fork carry?

About 1,522 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is County Road 47 over Mulberry Fork?

The structure is 326 ft (99.4 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 47 over Mulberry Fork?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.