US Bridges

County Road 47 over Hells Creek

PoorPosted for load

Fayette County, Alabama · 1.0 MI W Bluff · Structure no. 012184

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
79
1996 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 47 over Hells Creek is a concrete culvert carrying County Road 47 over Hells Creek in Fayette County, Alabama. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 79 vehicles a day, projected to reach 90 by 2034. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 47
CrossesHells Creek
Location1.0 MI W Bluff
RouteCounty Highway 47
CountyFayette County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.81817, -87.91787
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating23 US tons
Inventory rating13.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic79 (1996)
Projected traffic90 by 2034
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$330,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 47 over Hells Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 47 over Hells Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 47 over Hells Creek carry?

About 79 vehicles per day (1996 count).

How long is County Road 47 over Hells Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns County Road 47 over Hells Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.