US Bridges

Carson Road over Black Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · 0.5 MI N US 31 · Structure no. 016692

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
17,525
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Carson Road over Black Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Carson Road over Black Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 17,525 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,500 by 2045. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCarson Road
CrossesBlack Creek
Location0.5 MI N US 31
RouteCounty Highway 224
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.61727, -86.79127
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,525 (2025)
Projected traffic24,500 by 2045
Trucks22%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$561,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Carson Road over Black Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Carson Road over Black 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Carson Road over Black Creek carry?

About 17,525 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is Carson Road over Black Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns Carson Road over Black Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.