US Bridges

County Road 15 over Blackburn Fork

FairPosted for load

Blount County, Alabama · 1 MI E of Locust Fork · Structure no. 006551

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
293 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
851
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 15 over Blackburn Fork is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying County Road 15 over Blackburn Fork in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 851 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,265 by 2044. The structure is 293 ft (89.3 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 15
CrossesBlackburn Fork
Location1 MI E of Locust Fork
RouteCounty Highway 15
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.90867, -86.59927
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 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.8 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 15
Structure length293 ft (89.3 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic851 (2024)
Projected traffic1,265 by 2044
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$1.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 15 over Blackburn Fork built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 15 over Blackburn 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 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 15 over Blackburn Fork carry?

About 851 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is County Road 15 over Blackburn Fork?

The structure is 293 ft (89.3 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 15 over Blackburn Fork?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.