US Bridges

County Road 55 over Blue Springs Creek

Fair

Blount County, Alabama · 2 MI NE of Blountsville · Structure no. 006603

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
50 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,662
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 55 over Blue Springs Creek is a concrete culvert carrying County Road 55 over Blue Springs Creek 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.

It carries about 1,662 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,469 by 2043. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 55
CrossesBlue Springs Creek
Location2 MI NE of Blountsville
RouteCounty Highway 55
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.10479, -86.5754
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.2 US tons
Inventory rating42.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,662 (2023)
Projected traffic2,469 by 2043
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$504,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 55 over Blue Springs Creek built?

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

What condition is County Road 55 over Blue Springs 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does County Road 55 over Blue Springs Creek carry?

About 1,662 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is County Road 55 over Blue Springs Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns County Road 55 over Blue Springs Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.