US Bridges

Co. Rt. 42 over Mud Creek

FairPosted for load

Jackson County, Alabama · 035 MI N US 72 · Structure no. 000794

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
72 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
330
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Rt. 42 over Mud Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. Rt. 42 over Mud Creek in Jackson County, Alabama. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 330 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 490 by 2039. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCo. Rt. 42
CrossesMud Creek
Location035 MI N US 72
RouteCounty Highway 42
CountyJackson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.77681, -85.89906
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic330 (1989)
Projected traffic490 by 2039
Trucks5%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$474,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Rt. 42 over Mud Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Rt. 42 over Mud 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Co. Rt. 42 over Mud Creek carry?

About 330 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Co. Rt. 42 over Mud Creek?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Co. Rt. 42 over Mud Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.