US Bridges

Flat Top Road over Skelton Creek

Good

Jefferson County, Alabama · 0.25 Mile SW of Praco · Structure no. 001285

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,530
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Flat Top Road over Skelton Creek is a steel culvert carrying Flat Top Road over Skelton Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 2,530 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,000 by 2044. The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFlat Top Road
CrossesSkelton Creek
Location0.25 Mile SW of Praco
RouteCounty Highway 81
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.61217, -87.12468
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.4 US tons
Inventory rating45.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.5 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,530 (2024)
Projected traffic3,000 by 2044
Trucks10%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$309,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Flat Top Road over Skelton Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Flat Top Road over Skelton 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Flat Top Road over Skelton Creek carry?

About 2,530 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Flat Top Road over Skelton Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Flat Top Road over Skelton Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.