US Bridges

SR 91 over Thatcher Creek

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · 3.6 MI E JCT I65 * SR91 · Structure no. 004937

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,803
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 91 over Thatcher Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 91 over Thatcher Creek in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 2,803 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,915 by 2042. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 91
CrossesThatcher Creek
Location3.6 MI E JCT I65 * SR91
RouteState Highway 91
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.97523, -86.81853
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionAugust 2023
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.7 US tons
Inventory rating26.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,803 (2022)
Projected traffic2,915 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 91 over Thatcher Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 91 over Thatcher 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR 91 over Thatcher Creek carry?

About 2,803 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SR 91 over Thatcher Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SR 91 over Thatcher Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.