US Bridges

Balm Road over Patterson Creek

Fair

Elmore County, Alabama · SEC2 T19N R19E · Structure no. 004887

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
96 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
300
1998 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Balm Road over Patterson Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Balm Road over Patterson Creek in Elmore County, Alabama. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 300 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 340 by 2031. The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesBalm Road
CrossesPatterson Creek
LocationSEC2 T19N R19E
RouteCounty Highway 49
CountyElmore County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.66333, -86.145
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.9 US tons
Inventory rating22.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length96 ft (29.3 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (1998)
Projected traffic340 by 2031
Trucks12%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$755,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Balm Road over Patterson Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is Balm Road over Patterson 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 Balm Road over Patterson Creek carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (1998 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Balm Road over Patterson Creek?

The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Balm Road over Patterson Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.