US Bridges

Flat Top Road over Blck Warrior-Locust Fork

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Flattop - Snowville · Structure no. 010551

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
676 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,000
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Flat Top Road over Blck Warrior-Locust Fork is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Flat Top Road over Blck Warrior-Locust Fork in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 3,000 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,000 by 2043. The structure is 676 ft (206 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFlat Top Road
CrossesBlck Warrior-Locust Fork
LocationFlattop - Snowville
RouteCounty Highway 12
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.6593, -87.0235
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating38.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length676 ft (206 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,000 (2023)
Projected traffic6,000 by 2043
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$7.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Flat Top Road over Blck Warrior-Locust Fork built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Flat Top Road over Blck Warrior-Locust Fork 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Flat Top Road over Blck Warrior-Locust Fork carry?

About 3,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Flat Top Road over Blck Warrior-Locust Fork?

The structure is 676 ft (206 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns Flat Top Road over Blck Warrior-Locust Fork?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.