US Bridges

Murphree Lake RD over Blue Springs Creek

FairPosted for load

Blount County, Alabama · 2 MI E of Gum Springs · Structure no. 014209

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
46
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Murphree Lake RD over Blue Springs Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Murphree Lake RD over Blue Springs Creek in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 6 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 46 vehicles a day, projected to reach 68 by 2043. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMurphree Lake RD
CrossesBlue Springs Creek
Location2 MI E of Gum Springs
RouteCounty Highway 15
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.05749, -86.63567
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating15.4 US tons
Inventory rating7.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.4 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic46 (2023)
Projected traffic68 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 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$200,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Murphree Lake RD over Blue Springs Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Murphree Lake RD 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 Murphree Lake RD over Blue Springs Creek carry?

About 46 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Murphree Lake RD over Blue Springs Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Murphree Lake RD over Blue Springs Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.