US Bridges

CO RD 46 over Scarham Creek

Fair

DeKalb County, Alabama · .75 MI N Skirum T8SR6E · Structure no. 004863

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
364
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 46 over Scarham Creek is a concrete culvert carrying CO RD 46 over Scarham Creek in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 364 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 541 by 2043. The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCO RD 46
CrossesScarham Creek
Location.75 MI N Skirum T8SR6E
RouteCounty Highway 33
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.33759, -85.96407
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.2 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length38 ft (11.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic364 (2023)
Projected traffic541 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$370,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 46 over Scarham Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 46 over Scarham 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does CO RD 46 over Scarham Creek carry?

About 364 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 46 over Scarham Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns CO RD 46 over Scarham Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.