US Bridges

CO RD 73 over Blackwood Creek

FairPosted for load

Dale County, Alabama · SEC-28 T-5-N R-26-E · Structure no. 005986

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
170 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
439
2006 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 73 over Blackwood Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying CO RD 73 over Blackwood Creek in Dale County, Alabama. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 439 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 652 by 2034. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesCO RD 73
CrossesBlackwood Creek
LocationSEC-28 T-5-N R-26-E
RouteCounty Highway 73
CountyDale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.37649, -85.44823
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.4 US tons
Inventory rating23.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic439 (2006)
Projected traffic652 by 2034
Trucks7%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 73 over Blackwood Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 73 over Blackwood 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does CO RD 73 over Blackwood Creek carry?

About 439 vehicles per day (2006 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 73 over Blackwood Creek?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD 73 over Blackwood Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.