US Bridges

Mt. Carmel Road over Kenchelow Creek

Fair

Blount County, Alabama · 1 Mile East of Snead · Structure no. 014664

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
298
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mt. Carmel Road over Kenchelow Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Mt. Carmel Road over Kenchelow Creek in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 298 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 433 by 2042. The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesMt. Carmel Road
CrossesKenchelow Creek
Location1 Mile East of Snead
RouteCounty Highway 307
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.1056, -86.35227
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating77.6 US tons
Inventory rating46.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.7 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic298 (2023)
Projected traffic433 by 2042
Trucks2%
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$314,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mt. Carmel Road over Kenchelow Creek built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mt. Carmel Road over Kenchelow 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 Mt. Carmel Road over Kenchelow Creek carry?

About 298 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Mt. Carmel Road over Kenchelow Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns Mt. Carmel Road over Kenchelow Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.