US Bridges

Co. Rt. 222 over Smith Lake

FairPosted for load

Cullman County, Alabama · CR 222 Speegles · Structure no. 006979

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
136 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,487
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Rt. 222 over Smith Lake is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. Rt. 222 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 3,487 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,250 by 2033. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Rt. 222
CrossesSmith Lake
LocationCR 222 Speegles
RouteCounty Highway 22
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.09294, -86.95746
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating36.9 US tons
Inventory rating20.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,487 (2022)
Projected traffic4,250 by 2033
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$926,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Rt. 222 over Smith Lake built?

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

What condition is Co. Rt. 222 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Co. Rt. 222 over Smith Lake carry?

About 3,487 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Co. Rt. 222 over Smith Lake?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Co. Rt. 222 over Smith Lake?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.