US Bridges

SR 40 over Sauty Creek

Fair

DeKalb County, Alabama · 0.2 MI W JCT SR 75 · Structure no. 003452

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,480
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 40 over Sauty Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 40 over Sauty Creek in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 6,480 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,072 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 40
CrossesSauty Creek
Location0.2 MI W JCT SR 75
RouteState Highway 40
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.62811, -85.75832
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating75.7 US tons
Inventory rating45.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,480 (2023)
Projected traffic9,072 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$312,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 40 over Sauty Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 40 over Sauty 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 March 2025.

How much traffic does SR 40 over Sauty Creek carry?

About 6,480 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR 40 over Sauty Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR 40 over Sauty Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.