US Bridges

Ricetown Road over James Creek

Fair

Blount County, Alabama · 3 1/2 MI W of Blount Spri · Structure no. 011881

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
218
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ricetown Road over James Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying Ricetown Road over James Creek in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 years old, younger 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 218 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 325 by 2044. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRicetown Road
CrossesJames Creek
Location3 1/2 MI W of Blount Spri
RouteCounty Highway 362
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.92197, -86.85394
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating57.7 US tons
Inventory rating34.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic218 (2024)
Projected traffic325 by 2044
Trucks1%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$270,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ricetown Road over James Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ricetown Road over James 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Ricetown Road over James Creek carry?

About 218 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Ricetown Road over James Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Ricetown Road over James Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.