US Bridges

New Castle RD over Cunningham Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · 1.5 Miles N New Castle · Structure no. 001853

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
48 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,798
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

New Castle RD over Cunningham Creek is a steel culvert carrying New Castle RD over Cunningham Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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.

It carries about 1,798 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,189 by 2044. The structure is 48 ft (14.5 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

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CarriesNew Castle RD
CrossesCunningham Creek
Location1.5 Miles N New Castle
RouteCounty Highway 224
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.66547, -86.75892
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length48 ft (14.5 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.2 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,798 (2024)
Projected traffic2,189 by 2044
Trucks12%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$377,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was New Castle RD over Cunningham Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is New Castle RD over Cunningham 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 2024.

How much traffic does New Castle RD over Cunningham Creek carry?

About 1,798 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is New Castle RD over Cunningham Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.5 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.2 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns New Castle RD over Cunningham Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.