US Bridges

CO RD 51 over NE Branch of Bluff Creek

FairPosted for load

Franklin County, Alabama · 1.5 MI W SR 237 CO 51 JCT · Structure no. 008362

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
330
1986 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 51 over NE Branch of Bluff Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO RD 51 over NE Branch of Bluff Creek in Franklin County, Alabama. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 330 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 597 by 2032. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO RD 51
CrossesNE Branch of Bluff Creek
Location1.5 MI W SR 237 CO 51 JCT
RouteCounty Highway 51
CountyFranklin County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.33093, -87.74592
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating22.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic330 (1986)
Projected traffic597 by 2032
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$235,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 51 over NE Branch of Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 51 over NE Branch of Bluff 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does CO RD 51 over NE Branch of Bluff Creek carry?

About 330 vehicles per day (1986 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 51 over NE Branch of Bluff Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD 51 over NE Branch of Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.