US Bridges

Gopher Ridge Rd. over Natural Bridge Creek

FairPosted for load

Geneva County, Alabama · 3 Miles South of Hacoda · Structure no. 017342

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
34 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
83
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Gopher Ridge Rd. over Natural Bridge Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Gopher Ridge Rd. over Natural Bridge Creek in Geneva County, Alabama. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 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 83 vehicles a day, projected to reach 120 by 2044. The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesGopher Ridge Rd.
CrossesNatural Bridge Creek
Location3 Miles South of Hacoda
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyGeneva County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.00624, -86.19037
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.9 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.5 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.4 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic83 (2024)
Projected traffic120 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$208,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Gopher Ridge Rd. over Natural Bridge Creek built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is Gopher Ridge Rd. over Natural Bridge 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Gopher Ridge Rd. over Natural Bridge Creek carry?

About 83 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is Gopher Ridge Rd. over Natural Bridge Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.4 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Gopher Ridge Rd. over Natural Bridge Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.