US Bridges

Old Salem Road over Townsend Creek

Good

Elmore County, Alabama · SEC.22 T19N R20E · Structure no. 012586

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
474
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Salem Road over Townsend Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying Old Salem Road over Townsend Creek in Elmore County, Alabama. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 474 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 704 by 2043. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Salem Road
CrossesTownsend Creek
LocationSEC.22 T19N R20E
RouteCounty Highway 42
CountyElmore County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.60651, -86.07809
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic474 (2023)
Projected traffic704 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$497,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Salem Road over Townsend Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Salem Road over Townsend Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2024.

How much traffic does Old Salem Road over Townsend Creek carry?

About 474 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Old Salem Road over Townsend Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Old Salem Road over Townsend Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.