US Bridges

Powder Plant Road over Valley Creek

Good

Jefferson County, Alabama · Powder Pl RD / Valley Ck · Structure no. 019943

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
310 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,500
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Powder Plant Road over Valley Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Powder Plant Road over Valley Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 5,500 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7,700 by 2039. The structure is 310 ft (94.5 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPowder Plant Road
CrossesValley Creek
LocationPowder Pl RD / Valley Ck
RouteCounty Highway 144
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.3887, -87.01036
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length310 ft (94.5 m)
Longest span140 ft (42.7 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,500 (2019)
Projected traffic7,700 by 2039
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$3.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Powder Plant Road over Valley Creek built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is Powder Plant Road over Valley Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does Powder Plant Road over Valley Creek carry?

About 5,500 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Powder Plant Road over Valley Creek?

The structure is 310 ft (94.5 m) long with a longest span of 140 ft (42.7 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Powder Plant Road over Valley Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.