US Bridges

Co. Rd. 159 over Fall Creek

PoorPosted for load

DeKalb County, Alabama · Near Jackson CO LINT3SR9E · Structure no. 014278

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
84
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Rd. 159 over Fall Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. Rd. 159 over Fall Creek in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 84 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 125 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Rd. 159
CrossesFall Creek
LocationNear Jackson CO LINT3SR9E
RouteCounty Highway 144
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.76648, -85.64792
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating14.6 US tons
Inventory rating8.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic84 (2023)
Projected traffic125 by 2043
Trucks3%
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$275,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Rd. 159 over Fall Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Rd. 159 over Fall Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does Co. Rd. 159 over Fall Creek carry?

About 84 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Co. Rd. 159 over Fall Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Co. Rd. 159 over Fall Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.