US Bridges

CO RD 72 over Piney Creek

FairPosted for load

DeKalb County, Alabama · 1.0 MI W Al 75 T6SR7E · Structure no. 008392

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
551
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 72 over Piney Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO RD 72 over Piney Creek in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 551 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 819 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesCO RD 72
CrossesPiney Creek
Location1.0 MI W Al 75 T6SR7E
RouteCounty Highway 72
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.47516, -85.88946
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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating10.3 US tons
Inventory rating6.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic551 (2023)
Projected traffic819 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$292,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 72 over Piney Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 72 over Piney 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 2023.

How much traffic does CO RD 72 over Piney Creek carry?

About 551 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 72 over Piney Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD 72 over Piney Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.