US Bridges

Oak Drive over Short Creek

FairPosted for load

Etowah County, Alabama · @ Sardis City Limits · Structure no. 002980

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Oak Drive over Short Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Oak Drive over Short Creek in Etowah County, Alabama. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 270 by 2035. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOak Drive
CrossesShort Creek
Location@ Sardis City Limits
RouteCounty Highway 340
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.15676, -86.10443
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
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 inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating20.5 US tons
Inventory rating11 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2003)
Projected traffic270 by 2035
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$263,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Oak Drive over Short Creek built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is Oak Drive over Short 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Oak Drive over Short Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is Oak Drive over Short Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Oak Drive over Short Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.