US Bridges

Rocky Ford Rd. over Little Dry Creek

Fair

Etowah County, Alabama · .05 MI East of Cnty RD 71 · Structure no. 001851

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
753
2006 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rocky Ford Rd. over Little Dry Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Rocky Ford Rd. over Little Dry Creek in Etowah County, Alabama. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 753 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,077 by 2032. The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRocky Ford Rd.
CrossesLittle Dry Creek
Location.05 MI East of Cnty RD 71
RouteCounty Highway 217
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.00019, -85.84521
Functional classRural Local

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (8 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic753 (2006)
Projected traffic1,077 by 2032
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$241,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rocky Ford Rd. over Little Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rocky Ford Rd. over Little Dry 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 Rocky Ford Rd. over Little Dry Creek carry?

About 753 vehicles per day (2006 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Rocky Ford Rd. over Little Dry Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns Rocky Ford Rd. over Little Dry Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.