US Bridges

US 31 over Sandy Creek

Fair

Chilton County, Alabama · 1.0 MI S of Verbena · Structure no. 004196

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1952
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
98 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,290
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over Sandy Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 31 over Sandy Creek in Chilton County, Alabama. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1952, 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 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 3,290 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,226 by 2043. The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 31
CrossesSandy Creek
Location1.0 MI S of Verbena
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyChilton County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.74543, -86.49877
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating57.8 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length98 ft (29.9 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.9 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,290 (2015)
Projected traffic4,226 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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$1.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 over Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1952.

What condition is US 31 over Sandy 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 Sandy Creek carry?

About 3,290 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Sandy Creek?

The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.9 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 31 over Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.