US Bridges

SR 68 over Yellow Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · 4.5 MI W JCT SR 273 · Structure no. 003298

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
102 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,113
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 68 over Yellow Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 68 over Yellow Creek in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 4,113 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,758 by 2043. The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 68
CrossesYellow Creek
Location4.5 MI W JCT SR 273
RouteState Highway 68
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.23816, -85.8016
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.3 US tons
Inventory rating26.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length102 ft (31.1 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,113 (2023)
Projected traffic5,758 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$926,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 68 over Yellow Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 68 over Yellow 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does SR 68 over Yellow Creek carry?

About 4,113 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SR 68 over Yellow Creek?

The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SR 68 over Yellow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.