US Bridges

Rickard Cutoff RD over Buzzard Roost Creek

PoorPosted for load

Colbert County, Alabama · Rickard Cutoff RD · Structure no. 002324

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
54 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
246
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rickard Cutoff RD over Buzzard Roost Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Rickard Cutoff RD over Buzzard Roost Creek in Colbert County, Alabama. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 246 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 500 by 2045. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesRickard Cutoff RD
CrossesBuzzard Roost Creek
LocationRickard Cutoff RD
RouteCounty Highway 21
CountyColbert County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.71214, -87.99922
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Operating rating3 US tons
Inventory rating2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.5 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic246 (2003)
Projected traffic500 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$248,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rickard Cutoff RD over Buzzard Roost Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rickard Cutoff RD over Buzzard Roost Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does Rickard Cutoff RD over Buzzard Roost Creek carry?

About 246 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Rickard Cutoff RD over Buzzard Roost Creek?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.5 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Rickard Cutoff RD over Buzzard Roost Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.