US Bridges

Ponderosa Rd. over Miller Creek

FairPosted for load

Etowah County, Alabama · @ Millers Hollow RD · Structure no. 019857

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ponderosa Rd. over Miller Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ponderosa Rd. over Miller Creek in Etowah County, Alabama. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 51 by 2034. The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPonderosa Rd.
CrossesMiller Creek
Location@ Millers Hollow RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.00514, -86.13707
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating26.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.5 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.3 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.3 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2003)
Projected traffic51 by 2034
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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$178,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ponderosa Rd. over Miller Creek built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ponderosa Rd. over Miller 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Ponderosa Rd. over Miller Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is Ponderosa Rd. over Miller Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.3 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Ponderosa Rd. over Miller Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.