US Bridges

SR21 / US231 over Swamp Creek

Fair

Coosa County, Alabama · 6 MI N Elmore CO Line · Structure no. 001759

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
145 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
2,443
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR21 / US231 over Swamp Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR21 / US231 over Swamp Creek in Coosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 2,443 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,420 by 2043. The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR21 / US231
CrossesSwamp Creek
Location6 MI N Elmore CO Line
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyCoosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.83475, -86.22286
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.
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 inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.9 US tons
Inventory rating44.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length145 ft (44.2 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,443 (2023)
Projected traffic3,420 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR21 / US231 over Swamp Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR21 / US231 over Swamp 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does SR21 / US231 over Swamp Creek carry?

About 2,443 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SR21 / US231 over Swamp Creek?

The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns SR21 / US231 over Swamp Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.