US Bridges

SR 273 over Yellow Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · 3.7 MI N JCT SR 68*273 · Structure no. 006763

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
204 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,983
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 273 over Yellow Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 273 over Yellow Creek in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 78 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 1,983 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,776 by 2042. The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 273
CrossesYellow Creek
Location3.7 MI N JCT SR 68*273
RouteState Highway 273
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.2232, -85.72392
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.1 US tons
Inventory rating27.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length204 ft (62.2 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,983 (2022)
Projected traffic2,776 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 273 over Yellow Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is SR 273 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does SR 273 over Yellow Creek carry?

About 1,983 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 273 over Yellow Creek?

The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SR 273 over Yellow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.