US Bridges

SR 40 over Town Creek

Fair

DeKalb County, Alabama · 0.3 MI W JCT SR117 * SR40 · Structure no. 002695

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
136 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,191
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 40 over Town Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 40 over Town Creek in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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.

It carries about 3,191 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,467 by 2043. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 40
CrossesTown Creek
Location0.3 MI W JCT SR117 * SR40
RouteState Highway 40
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.61117, -85.65831
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.1 US tons
Inventory rating28.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,191 (2023)
Projected traffic4,467 by 2043
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 40 over Town Creek built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 40 over Town 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does SR 40 over Town Creek carry?

About 3,191 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR 40 over Town Creek?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR 40 over Town Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.