US Bridges

US 31 over Murder Creek Relief

Fair

Conecuh County, Alabama · 0.5 MI N SR 84 S JCT · Structure no. 004539

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
238 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
8,472
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over Murder Creek Relief is a concrete tee beam carrying US 31 over Murder Creek Relief in Conecuh County, Alabama. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 8,472 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,708 by 2041. The structure is 238 ft (72.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 31
CrossesMurder Creek Relief
Location0.5 MI N SR 84 S JCT
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyConecuh County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.41689, -86.98899
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMarch 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.4 US tons
Inventory rating32.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length238 ft (72.5 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,472 (2021)
Projected traffic12,708 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 over Murder Creek Relief built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 31 over Murder Creek Relief 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US 31 over Murder Creek Relief carry?

About 8,472 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Murder Creek Relief?

The structure is 238 ft (72.5 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 31 over Murder Creek Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.