US Bridges

County Road 51 over Sparks Creek Trib.

Fair

Hale County, Alabama · 3.6 Mi. S. of Water Oak · Structure no. 013960

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 51 over Sparks Creek Trib. is a concrete culvert carrying County Road 51 over Sparks Creek Trib. in Hale County, Alabama. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 2034. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 51
CrossesSparks Creek Trib.
Location3.6 Mi. S. of Water Oak
RouteCounty Highway 51
CountyHale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.825, -87.47333
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating82.1 US tons
Inventory rating49.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (1991)
Projected traffic200 by 2034
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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$344,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 51 over Sparks Creek Trib. built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 51 over Sparks Creek Trib. 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 County Road 51 over Sparks Creek Trib. carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (1991 count).

How long is County Road 51 over Sparks Creek Trib.?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns County Road 51 over Sparks Creek Trib.?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.