US Bridges

SR 51 over Chewacla Creek

Good

Lee County, Alabama · 1 MI South Al 169 · Structure no. 021535

Built
2022
3 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
200 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,720
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 51 over Chewacla Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 51 over Chewacla Creek in Lee County, Alabama. It was built in 2022, so it is 3 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 5,720 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,499 by 2041. The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 51
CrossesChewacla Creek
Location1 MI South Al 169
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyLee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.56129, -85.37242
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating71.8 US tons
Inventory rating54.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length200 ft (61 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,720 (2021)
Projected traffic8,499 by 2041
Trucks12%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 51 over Chewacla Creek built?

It was built in 2022, making it 3 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 51 over Chewacla 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 2024.

How much traffic does SR 51 over Chewacla Creek carry?

About 5,720 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SR 51 over Chewacla Creek?

The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SR 51 over Chewacla Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.