US Bridges

US 31 over Panther Creek

Fair

Conecuh County, Alabama · 0.1 MI N CO RD 6 · Structure no. 004274

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
306 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
3,462
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over Panther Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 31 over Panther Creek in Conecuh County, Alabama. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 3,462 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,193 by 2043. The structure is 306 ft (93.3 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 31
CrossesPanther Creek
Location0.1 MI N CO RD 6
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyConecuh County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.30208, -87.02333
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.4 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length306 ft (93.3 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,462 (2023)
Projected traffic5,193 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 over Panther Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 31 over Panther 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does US 31 over Panther Creek carry?

About 3,462 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Panther Creek?

The structure is 306 ft (93.3 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns US 31 over Panther Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.