US Bridges

US 31 over Ut Chestnut Creek

Fair

Chilton County, Alabama · 0.6 MI N of Cooper · Structure no. 002631

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1942
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,710
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over Ut Chestnut Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 31 over Ut Chestnut Creek in Chilton County, Alabama. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1942, so it is 100 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.

It carries about 9,710 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,473 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 31
CrossesUt Chestnut Creek
Location0.6 MI N of Cooper
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyChilton County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.7802, -86.5532
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.4 US tons
Inventory rating36.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,710 (2016)
Projected traffic12,473 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$449,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 over Ut Chestnut Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1942.

What condition is US 31 over Ut Chestnut 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 US 31 over Ut Chestnut Creek carry?

About 9,710 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Ut Chestnut Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 31 over Ut Chestnut Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.