US Bridges

CO Rt 179 over Scarham Creek

FairPosted for load

DeKalb County, Alabama · 1 MI E Kilpatrick T8SR5E · Structure no. 006919

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
293 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,899
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 179 over Scarham Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO Rt 179 over Scarham Creek in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,899 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,822 by 2044. The structure is 293 ft (89.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO Rt 179
CrossesScarham Creek
Location1 MI E Kilpatrick T8SR5E
RouteCounty Highway 20003
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.29826, -86.07722
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.4 US tons
Inventory rating23.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+7 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length293 ft (89.3 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,899 (2024)
Projected traffic2,822 by 2044
Trucks7%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$1.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 179 over Scarham Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 179 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does CO Rt 179 over Scarham Creek carry?

About 1,899 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is CO Rt 179 over Scarham Creek?

The structure is 293 ft (89.3 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 179 over Scarham Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.