US Bridges

Fords Valley Rd. over Harris Creek

FairPosted for load

Fayette County, Alabama · .8 MI E of CO RD 53 · Structure no. 018033

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Other
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15
2000 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fords Valley Rd. over Harris Creek is a steel other carrying Fords Valley Rd. over Harris Creek in Fayette County, Alabama. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2034. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFords Valley Rd.
CrossesHarris Creek
Location.8 MI E of CO RD 53
RouteCounty Highway 352
CountyFayette County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.74282, -87.74022
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
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
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating16 US tons
Inventory rating12 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2000)
Projected traffic50 by 2034
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollToll bridge segment under Secretarial agreement
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$188,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fords Valley Rd. over Harris Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fords Valley Rd. over Harris 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 Fords Valley Rd. over Harris Creek carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2000 count).

How long is Fords Valley Rd. over Harris Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Fords Valley Rd. over Harris Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.