US Bridges

Lee Road 137 over Choclafaula Creek

FairPosted for load

Lee County, Alabama · 1.5 MI N E Beehive · Structure no. 003093

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,123
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lee Road 137 over Choclafaula Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Lee Road 137 over Choclafaula Creek in Lee County, Alabama. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 3,123 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,685 by 2044. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLee Road 137
CrossesChoclafaula Creek
Location1.5 MI N E Beehive
RouteCounty Highway 1137
CountyLee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.56768, -85.55599
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating32.4 US tons
Inventory rating20.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,123 (2024)
Projected traffic4,685 by 2044
Trucks5%
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$370,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lee Road 137 over Choclafaula Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lee Road 137 over Choclafaula 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Lee Road 137 over Choclafaula Creek carry?

About 3,123 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Lee Road 137 over Choclafaula Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Lee Road 137 over Choclafaula Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.