US Bridges

SR 21 over Little River

Fair

Escambia County, Alabama · 2.8 MI N CO RD 30 · Structure no. 011633

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
510 ft
15 main spans
Daily traffic
4,255
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 21 over Little River is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 21 over Little River in Escambia County, Alabama. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 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 4,255 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,383 by 2041. The structure is 510 ft (155.4 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 21
CrossesLittle River
Location2.8 MI N CO RD 30
RouteState Highway 21
CountyEscambia County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.25459, -87.49261
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans15
Design loadHS 20
Structure length510 ft (155.4 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,255 (2021)
Projected traffic6,383 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$4.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 21 over Little River built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 21 over Little River 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SR 21 over Little River carry?

About 4,255 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR 21 over Little River?

The structure is 510 ft (155.4 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns SR 21 over Little River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.