US Bridges

SR 3 over Town Creek

Fair

Limestone County, Alabama · 0.2 M S JCT SR 3 & SR 2 · Structure no. 004995

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
83 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,615
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 3 over Town Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 3 over Town Creek in Limestone County, Alabama. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1955, 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.

It carries about 7,615 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,782 by 2033. The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 3
CrossesTown Creek
Location0.2 M S JCT SR 3 & SR 2
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.78281, -86.95674
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.4 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length83 ft (25.3 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,615 (2023)
Projected traffic9,782 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$851,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 3 over Town Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is SR 3 over Town 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does SR 3 over Town Creek carry?

About 7,615 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is SR 3 over Town Creek?

The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR 3 over Town Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.