US Bridges

Rocky Ridge Road over Shades Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Rocky Ridge · Structure no. 001307

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
65 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10,930
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rocky Ridge Road over Shades Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Rocky Ridge Road over Shades 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 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 10,930 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,200 by 2043. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRocky Ridge Road
CrossesShades Creek
LocationRocky Ridge
RouteCounty Highway 113
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.4328, -86.77035
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,930 (2023)
Projected traffic15,200 by 2043
Trucks15%
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$535,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rocky Ridge Road over Shades Creek built?

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

What condition is Rocky Ridge Road over Shades 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 Rocky Ridge Road over Shades Creek carry?

About 10,930 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Rocky Ridge Road over Shades Creek?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Rocky Ridge Road over Shades Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.