US Bridges

SR 21 over Cave Creek

Fair

Calhoun County, Alabama · 4.4 MI N JCT US 431 · Structure no. 003154

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1948
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
23,103
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 21 over Cave Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 21 over Cave Creek in Calhoun County, Alabama. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1948, so it is 99 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 23,103 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,344 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 21
CrossesCave Creek
Location4.4 MI N JCT US 431
RouteState Highway 21
CountyCalhoun County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.73884, -85.79404
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating73.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,103 (2022)
Projected traffic32,344 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 21 over Cave Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1948.

What condition is SR 21 over Cave 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does SR 21 over Cave Creek carry?

About 23,103 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is SR 21 over Cave Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR 21 over Cave Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.