US Bridges

Fire Tower Road over Corn Creek

Fair

Elmore County, Alabama · Fire Tower RD · Structure no. 011836

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,271
1998 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fire Tower Road over Corn Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying Fire Tower Road over Corn Creek in Elmore County, Alabama. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 2,271 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,000 by 2031. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFire Tower Road
CrossesCorn Creek
LocationFire Tower RD
RouteCounty Highway 59
CountyElmore County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.5488, -86.1462
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.5 US tons
Inventory rating36.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,271 (1998)
Projected traffic3,000 by 2031
Trucks25%
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$479,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fire Tower Road over Corn Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fire Tower Road over Corn 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Fire Tower Road over Corn Creek carry?

About 2,271 vehicles per day (1998 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is Fire Tower Road over Corn Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Fire Tower Road over Corn Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.