US Bridges

Lee Road 197 over Hospilika Creek

Fair

Lee County, Alabama · 1.0 MI W JCT Lee RD 208 · Structure no. 015307

Built
1970
55 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
76 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,396
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lee Road 197 over Hospilika Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying Lee Road 197 over Hospilika Creek in Lee County, Alabama. It was built in 1970 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 55 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 2,396 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,594 by 2044. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesLee Road 197
CrossesHospilika Creek
Location1.0 MI W JCT Lee RD 208
RouteCounty Highway 1197
CountyLee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.48604, -85.13397
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.7 US tons
Inventory rating33.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,396 (2024)
Projected traffic3,594 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$642,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lee Road 197 over Hospilika Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is Lee Road 197 over Hospilika 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Lee Road 197 over Hospilika Creek carry?

About 2,396 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Lee Road 197 over Hospilika Creek?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Lee Road 197 over Hospilika Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.