US Bridges

Co. Rd. 731 over Dry Creek

FairPosted for load

DeKalb County, Alabama · 300 Ft W US 11 T4 R10 · Structure no. 010633

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
66 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
344
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Rd. 731 over Dry Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. Rd. 731 over Dry Creek in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 344 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 511 by 2044. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Rd. 731
CrossesDry Creek
Location300 Ft W US 11 T4 R10
RouteCounty Highway 31A
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.65571, -85.60181
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating32.5 US tons
Inventory rating19.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.2 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic344 (2024)
Projected traffic511 by 2044
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$480,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Rd. 731 over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Rd. 731 over Dry 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Co. Rd. 731 over Dry Creek carry?

About 344 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Co. Rd. 731 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.2 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Co. Rd. 731 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.