US Bridges

SR 273 over Wolf Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · 7MI N JCT SR 68 * 273 · Structure no. 016548

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
48 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,224
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 273 over Wolf Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 273 over Wolf Creek in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 1,224 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,714 by 2043. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 273
CrossesWolf Creek
Location7MI N JCT SR 68 * 273
RouteState Highway 273
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.26306, -85.69533
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.1 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,224 (2023)
Projected traffic1,714 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a toll 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 273 over Wolf Creek built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 273 over Wolf 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 273 over Wolf Creek carry?

About 1,224 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 273 over Wolf Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns SR 273 over Wolf Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.