US Bridges

County Rt 51 over Big Brush Creek

Fair

Hale County, Alabama · 5.4 Mi. N of Greensboro · Structure no. 010052

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
102 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
150
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Rt 51 over Big Brush Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying County Rt 51 over Big Brush Creek in Hale County, Alabama. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 150 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2034. The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Rt 51
CrossesBig Brush Creek
Location5.4 Mi. N of Greensboro
RouteCounty Highway 51
CountyHale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.74748, -87.54099
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length102 ft (31.1 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (1989)
Projected traffic300 by 2034
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$777,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Rt 51 over Big Brush Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Rt 51 over Big Brush 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 2024.

How much traffic does County Rt 51 over Big Brush Creek carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is County Rt 51 over Big Brush Creek?

The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns County Rt 51 over Big Brush Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.