US Bridges

1 MI W Al 21 over Tallahatchee Creek

FairPosted for load

Calhoun County, Alabama · Merrellton Rd. · Structure no. 006837

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
117
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

1 MI W Al 21 over Tallahatchee Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 1 MI W Al 21 over Tallahatchee Creek in Calhoun County, Alabama. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 117 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 177 by 2044. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries1 MI W Al 21
CrossesTallahatchee Creek
LocationMerrellton Rd.
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCalhoun County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.86985, -85.7504
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating35.9 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.4 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic117 (2023)
Projected traffic177 by 2044
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$167,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 1 MI W Al 21 over Tallahatchee Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is 1 MI W Al 21 over Tallahatchee 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does 1 MI W Al 21 over Tallahatchee Creek carry?

About 117 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is 1 MI W Al 21 over Tallahatchee Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns 1 MI W Al 21 over Tallahatchee Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.