US Bridges

CO RD 43 over Melon Creek

Fair

Choctaw County, Alabama · 2.8 MI N Int Rt 87 * 130 · Structure no. 008875

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
425
1996 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 43 over Melon Creek is a concrete culvert carrying CO RD 43 over Melon Creek in Choctaw County, Alabama. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 425 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 412 by 2040. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

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CarriesCO RD 43
CrossesMelon Creek
Location2.8 MI N Int Rt 87 * 130
RouteCounty Highway 130
CountyChoctaw County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.06048, -88.16941
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.7 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic425 (1996)
Projected traffic412 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$414,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 43 over Melon Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 43 over Melon 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does CO RD 43 over Melon Creek carry?

About 425 vehicles per day (1996 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 43 over Melon Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD 43 over Melon Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.