US Bridges

CO RD 21 over Bray Creek

Fair

DeKalb County, Alabama · 1.5 MI S LATHAMVILET9SR6E · Structure no. 006581

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
364
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 21 over Bray Creek is a concrete culvert carrying CO RD 21 over Bray Creek in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 5 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 2044. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesCO RD 21
CrossesBray Creek
Location1.5 MI S LATHAMVILET9SR6E
RouteCounty Highway 17
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.25676, -86.03546
Functional classRural Local

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating29.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length39 ft (11.9 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 (2024)
Projected traffic541 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$403,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 21 over Bray Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 21 over Bray 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does CO RD 21 over Bray Creek carry?

About 364 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 21 over Bray Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns CO RD 21 over Bray Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.