US Bridges

Co. 53 over Caty Creek

FairPosted for load

Chambers County, Alabama · 0.4 Mi. S.E. Abanda · Structure no. 002381

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. 53 over Caty Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. 53 over Caty Creek in Chambers County, Alabama. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2037. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCo. 53
CrossesCaty Creek
Location0.4 Mi. S.E. Abanda
RouteCounty Highway 53
CountyChambers County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.09857, -85.5205
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating30.8 US tons
Inventory rating18.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (1992)
Projected traffic50 by 2037
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$199,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. 53 over Caty Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. 53 over Caty 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Co. 53 over Caty Creek carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (1992 count).

How long is Co. 53 over Caty Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Co. 53 over Caty Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.