US Bridges

CO Rt 47 over Shoals Creek

FairPosted for load

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 3.5 MI N Int CO Rt 30 · Structure no. 000528

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
394 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,040
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 47 over Shoals Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying CO Rt 47 over Shoals Creek in Lauderdale County, Alabama. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,040 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,080 by 2031. The structure is 394 ft (120.1 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

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CarriesCO Rt 47
CrossesShoals Creek
Location3.5 MI N Int CO Rt 30
RouteCounty Highway 47
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.91224, -87.58832
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating15 US tons
Inventory rating12 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+3 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length394 ft (120.1 m)
Longest span220 ft (67.1 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck10 ft (3.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,040 (1989)
Projected traffic4,080 by 2031
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 47 over Shoals Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 47 over Shoals 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does CO Rt 47 over Shoals Creek carry?

About 2,040 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO Rt 47 over Shoals Creek?

The structure is 394 ft (120.1 m) long with a longest span of 220 ft (67.1 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 47 over Shoals Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.