US Bridges

US 43 over Needham Creek

Fair

Greene County, Alabama · 4.0 MI N of Forkland · Structure no. 020468

Built
2015
10 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
66 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,930
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 43 over Needham Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 43 over Needham Creek in Greene County, Alabama. It was built in 2015, so it is 10 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 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 2,930 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,764 by 2044. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.2 mi (55 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 43
CrossesNeedham Creek
Location4.0 MI N of Forkland
RouteU.S. Route 43
CountyGreene County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.6986, -87.9032
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionJuly 2024
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 rating93 US tons
Inventory rating55.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,930 (2016)
Projected traffic3,764 by 2044
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.2 mi (55 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$1.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 43 over Needham Creek built?

It was built in 2015, making it 10 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 43 over Needham 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 43 over Needham Creek carry?

About 2,930 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 43 over Needham Creek?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m).

Who owns US 43 over Needham Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.