US Bridges

223 over Smith Lake

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · CR 223 · Structure no. 006954

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
54 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
200
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

223 over Smith Lake is a concrete culvert carrying 223 over Smith Lake in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2035. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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Carries223
CrossesSmith Lake
LocationCR 223
RouteCounty Highway 13
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.04927, -86.90784
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.8 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (1991)
Projected traffic300 by 2035
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$802,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 223 over Smith Lake built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is 223 over Smith Lake 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 2024.

How much traffic does 223 over Smith Lake carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (1991 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is 223 over Smith Lake?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns 223 over Smith Lake?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.