US Bridges

US 31; SR 3 over Mud Creek

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · 0.5 MI S JCT SR91 * US31 · Structure no. 002633

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1942
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
162 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,512
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31; SR 3 over Mud Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 31; SR 3 over Mud Creek in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1942, so it is 98 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 5,512 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,732 by 2042. The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 31; SR 3
CrossesMud Creek
Location0.5 MI S JCT SR91 * US31
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.055, -86.76667
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
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 inspectionOctober 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.7 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length162 ft (49.4 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width59 ft (18.1 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,512 (2022)
Projected traffic5,732 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$2.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31; SR 3 over Mud Creek built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1942.

What condition is US 31; SR 3 over Mud 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US 31; SR 3 over Mud Creek carry?

About 5,512 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 31; SR 3 over Mud Creek?

The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns US 31; SR 3 over Mud Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.