US Bridges

CO Rt 846 over Whipporwill Creek

PoorPosted for load

DeKalb County, Alabama · .5 MI W Al 75 T8SR5E · Structure no. 004056

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
106
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 846 over Whipporwill Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO Rt 846 over Whipporwill Creek in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 106 vehicles a day, projected to reach 158 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO Rt 846
CrossesWhipporwill Creek
Location.5 MI W Al 75 T8SR5E
RouteCounty Highway 34
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.32279, -86.07367
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating6 US tons
Inventory rating4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length30 ft (9.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.2 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width10 ft (3.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic106 (2023)
Projected traffic158 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$143,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 846 over Whipporwill Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 846 over Whipporwill Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does CO Rt 846 over Whipporwill Creek carry?

About 106 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is CO Rt 846 over Whipporwill Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.2 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 846 over Whipporwill Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.