US Bridges

Al - 3 South over Turkey Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · US 31 * Turkey Ck · Structure no. 006147

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
274 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,745
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 3 South over Turkey Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Al - 3 South over Turkey Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 4,745 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,095 by 2043. The structure is 274 ft (83.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 3 South
CrossesTurkey Creek
LocationUS 31 * Turkey Ck
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.74167, -86.81333
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.5 US tons
Inventory rating25.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length274 ft (83.5 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,745 (2023)
Projected traffic6,095 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$2.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 3 South over Turkey Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 3 South over Turkey 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 Al - 3 South over Turkey Creek carry?

About 4,745 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Al - 3 South over Turkey Creek?

The structure is 274 ft (83.5 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 3 South over Turkey Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.