US Bridges

US 31 over Persimmon Creek

Fair

Butler County, Alabama · 2.2 MI North of Mckenzie · Structure no. 017831

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
330 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,207
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over Persimmon Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 31 over Persimmon Creek in Butler County, Alabama. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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.

It carries about 7,207 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,454 by 2043. The structure is 330 ft (100.6 m) long and 75 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

CarriesUS 31
CrossesPersimmon Creek
Location2.2 MI North of Mckenzie
RouteU.S. Route 31
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.5763, -86.7384
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 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating79.1 US tons
Inventory rating33.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length330 ft (100.6 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width75 ft (22.8 m)
Roadway width72 ft (21.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,207 (2023)
Projected traffic10,454 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$6.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 over Persimmon Creek built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 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 7,207 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Persimmon Creek?

The structure is 330 ft (100.6 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 75 ft wide.

Who owns US 31 over Persimmon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.