US Bridges

Old Rocky Ridge RD over Little Shades Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · 1.75 MI E Lorna RD · Structure no. 008936

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
160 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,776
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Rocky Ridge RD over Little Shades Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying Old Rocky Ridge RD over Little Shades Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 5,776 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,000 by 2043. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Rocky Ridge RD
CrossesLittle Shades Creek
Location1.75 MI E Lorna RD
RouteCounty Highway 527
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.3932, -86.77182
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,776 (2023)
Projected traffic8,000 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Rocky Ridge RD over Little Shades Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Rocky Ridge RD over Little 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Old Rocky Ridge RD over Little Shades Creek carry?

About 5,776 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Old Rocky Ridge RD over Little Shades Creek?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Old Rocky Ridge RD over Little Shades Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.