US Bridges

HWY 121 over Little Choc River

FairPosted for load

Dale County, Alabama · SEC-33 T-4-N R-24-E · Structure no. 007450

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
254 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
121
2005 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY 121 over Little Choc River is a concrete tee beam carrying HWY 121 over Little Choc River in Dale County, Alabama. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 121 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 180 by 2034. The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY 121
CrossesLittle Choc River
LocationSEC-33 T-4-N R-24-E
RouteCounty Highway 121
CountyDale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.27272, -85.64789
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 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 spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length254 ft (77.4 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic121 (2005)
Projected traffic180 by 2034
Trucks8%
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$1.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY 121 over Little Choc River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY 121 over Little Choc River 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 2023.

How much traffic does HWY 121 over Little Choc River carry?

About 121 vehicles per day (2005 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is HWY 121 over Little Choc River?

The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns HWY 121 over Little Choc River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.