US Bridges

Sardis Rd. over Owens Creek

Fair

Etowah County, Alabama · 0.3MI NE of Leeth Gap · Structure no. 009194

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,580
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sardis Rd. over Owens Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Sardis Rd. over Owens Creek in Etowah County, Alabama. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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.

It carries about 1,580 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,354 by 2034. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesSardis Rd.
CrossesOwens Creek
Location0.3MI NE of Leeth Gap
RouteCounty Highway 386
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.17647, -86.07222
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating45.7 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,580 (2003)
Projected traffic2,354 by 2034
Trucks2%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$348,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sardis Rd. over Owens Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sardis Rd. over Owens 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 2024.

How much traffic does Sardis Rd. over Owens Creek carry?

About 1,580 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Sardis Rd. over Owens Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.1 m).

Who owns Sardis Rd. over Owens Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.