US Bridges

SR21 / US231 over Hatchet Creek

Fair

Coosa County, Alabama · 3.5 MI N Rockford · Structure no. 001961

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
404 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
2,914
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR21 / US231 over Hatchet Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR21 / US231 over Hatchet Creek in Coosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 2,914 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,080 by 2043. The structure is 404 ft (123 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesSR21 / US231
CrossesHatchet Creek
Location3.5 MI N Rockford
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyCoosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.9437, -86.2036
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating68.9 US tons
Inventory rating45.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans14
Design loadH 15
Structure length404 ft (123 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,914 (2023)
Projected traffic4,080 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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$2.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR21 / US231 over Hatchet Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR21 / US231 over Hatchet 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 July 2023.

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

About 2,914 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SR21 / US231 over Hatchet Creek?

The structure is 404 ft (123 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns SR21 / US231 over Hatchet Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.