US Bridges

County Road 21 over Big Mud Creek

Fair

Blount County, Alabama · 2 MI NE of Snead Crossing · Structure no. 008469

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
47 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
452
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 21 over Big Mud Creek is a concrete culvert carrying County Road 21 over Big Mud Creek in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 452 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 671 by 2045. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 21
CrossesBig Mud Creek
Location2 MI NE of Snead Crossing
RouteCounty Highway 21
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.13539, -86.37208
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
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 inspectionJanuary 2025
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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic452 (2025)
Projected traffic671 by 2045
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 21 over Big Mud Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 21 over Big Mud 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does County Road 21 over Big Mud Creek carry?

About 452 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is County Road 21 over Big Mud Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns County Road 21 over Big Mud Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.