US Bridges

AL-7 over Sims Creek

Fair

Greene County, Alabama · 4.2 MI S JCT I-59 · Structure no. 000268

Built
1925
100 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,088
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-7 over Sims Creek is a concrete culvert carrying AL-7 over Sims Creek in Greene County, Alabama. It was built in 1925, so it is 100 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.

It carries about 2,088 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,887 by 2041. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-7
CrossesSims Creek
Location4.2 MI S JCT I-59
RouteU.S. Route 11
CountyGreene County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.93102, -87.81838
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83.7 US tons
Inventory rating50.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic2,088 (2020)
Projected traffic1,887 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$288,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-7 over Sims Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-7 over Sims 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does AL-7 over Sims Creek carry?

About 2,088 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is AL-7 over Sims Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns AL-7 over Sims Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.