US Bridges

Co. Rt. 946 over Smith Lake

FairPosted for load

Cullman County, Alabama · CR 946 · Structure no. 008276

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
304 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
240
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Rt. 946 over Smith Lake is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. Rt. 946 over Smith Lake in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 240 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 335 by 2033. The structure is 304 ft (92.7 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Rt. 946
CrossesSmith Lake
LocationCR 946
RouteCounty Highway 15
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.09834, -87.07673
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.4 US tons
Inventory rating23.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length304 ft (92.7 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic240 (1991)
Projected traffic335 by 2033
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Rt. 946 over Smith Lake built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Rt. 946 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. 946 over Smith Lake carry?

About 240 vehicles per day (1991 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Co. Rt. 946 over Smith Lake?

The structure is 304 ft (92.7 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Co. Rt. 946 over Smith Lake?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.