US Bridges

US 31 over Persimmon Creek Relief

Fair

Butler County, Alabama · 2.7 MI North of Mckenzie · Structure no. 017832

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
180 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,226
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over Persimmon Creek Relief is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 31 over Persimmon Creek Relief 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 8,226 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,933 by 2043. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 75 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 31
CrossesPersimmon Creek Relief
Location2.7 MI North of Mckenzie
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyButler County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.58237, -86.73671
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 rating70.3 US tons
Inventory rating42.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width75 ft (22.8 m)
Roadway width72 ft (21.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,226 (2023)
Projected traffic11,933 by 2043
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
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$3.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 over Persimmon Creek Relief built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 31 over Persimmon Creek Relief 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 Relief carry?

About 8,226 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Persimmon Creek Relief?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 75 ft wide.

Who owns US 31 over Persimmon Creek Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.