US Bridges

County Road 85 over Sparks Creek

Good

Hale County, Alabama · 4.4 Mi. S. of Water Oak · Structure no. 014051

Built
1919
106 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 85 over Sparks Creek is a concrete culvert carrying County Road 85 over Sparks Creek in Hale County, Alabama. It was built in 1919 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 106 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2034. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 85
CrossesSparks Creek
Location4.4 Mi. S. of Water Oak
RouteCounty Highway 85
CountyHale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.82833, -87.48833
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating83.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (1989)
Projected traffic100 by 2034
Trucks0%
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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$452,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 85 over Sparks Creek built?

It was built in 1919, making it 106 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is County Road 85 over Sparks Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 85 over Sparks Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1989 count).

How long is County Road 85 over Sparks Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 85 over Sparks Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.