US Bridges

US 31 over Persimmon Creek

Fair

Butler County, Alabama · 03.0 MI N JCT Al 185 · Structure no. 003630

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
342 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
2,040
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over Persimmon Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 31 over Persimmon Creek in Butler County, Alabama. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 2,040 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,621 by 2033. The structure is 342 ft (104.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 31
CrossesPersimmon Creek
Location03.0 MI N JCT Al 185
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyButler County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.81167, -86.60667
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length342 ft (104.2 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,040 (2013)
Projected traffic2,621 by 2033
Trucks14%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$2.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 over Persimmon Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 31 over Persimmon 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 31 over Persimmon Creek carry?

About 2,040 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Persimmon Creek?

The structure is 342 ft (104.2 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US 31 over Persimmon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.