US Bridges

Sardis Rd. over Short Creek

Fair

Etowah County, Alabama · 250 Ft East of Smith LN · Structure no. 009195

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,640
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sardis Rd. over Short Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Sardis Rd. over Short 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 2,640 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,975 by 2035. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSardis Rd.
CrossesShort Creek
Location250 Ft East of Smith LN
RouteCounty Highway 386
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.18206, -86.0995
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 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating89.3 US tons
Inventory rating53.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,640 (2003)
Projected traffic4,975 by 2035
Trucks2%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$593,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sardis Rd. over Short Creek built?

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

What condition is Sardis Rd. 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 Sardis Rd. over Short Creek carry?

About 2,640 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Sardis Rd. over Short Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns Sardis Rd. over Short Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.