US Bridges

CR-15 over Sipsey Creek

Fair

Lamar County, Alabama · .1 Mi. W. Ala. 17 · Structure no. 015354

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
408 ft
12 main spans
Daily traffic
260
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR-15 over Sipsey Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying CR-15 over Sipsey Creek in Lamar County, Alabama. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 years old, younger 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 260 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 386 by 2036. The structure is 408 ft (124.4 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR-15
CrossesSipsey Creek
Location.1 Mi. W. Ala. 17
RouteCounty Highway 15
CountyLamar County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.02731, -88.17997
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.7 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans12
Design loadHS 20
Structure length408 ft (124.4 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic260 (2016)
Projected traffic386 by 2036
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$2.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR-15 over Sipsey Creek built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR-15 over Sipsey 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 CR-15 over Sipsey Creek carry?

About 260 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is CR-15 over Sipsey Creek?

The structure is 408 ft (124.4 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns CR-15 over Sipsey Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.