US Bridges

Bluff Ridge Road over Black Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · 5 Mile SW of Lovelace · Structure no. 001261

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
36 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,560
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bluff Ridge Road over Black Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Bluff Ridge Road over Black Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 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 1,560 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,125 by 2043. The structure is 36 ft (11.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBluff Ridge Road
CrossesBlack Creek
Location5 Mile SW of Lovelace
RouteCounty Highway 53
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.26026, -86.99083
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating97.3 US tons
Inventory rating58.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length36 ft (11.1 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,560 (2023)
Projected traffic2,125 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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$564,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bluff Ridge Road over Black Creek built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bluff Ridge Road over Black 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Bluff Ridge Road over Black Creek carry?

About 1,560 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Bluff Ridge Road over Black Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11.1 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns Bluff Ridge Road over Black Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.