US Bridges

SR 251 over Swan Creek

Fair

Limestone County, Alabama · 0.1 M S JCT SR251 & I 65 · Structure no. 009480

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
186 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
7,620
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 251 over Swan Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 251 over Swan Creek in Limestone County, Alabama. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1968, so it is 99 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 7,620 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,629 by 2033. The structure is 186 ft (56.7 m) long and 33 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 251
CrossesSwan Creek
Location0.1 M S JCT SR251 & I 65
RouteState Highway 251
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.8103, -86.94187
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating84.5 US tons
Inventory rating50.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 20
Structure length186 ft (56.7 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,620 (2024)
Projected traffic8,629 by 2033
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 251 over Swan Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is SR 251 over Swan 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SR 251 over Swan Creek carry?

About 7,620 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SR 251 over Swan Creek?

The structure is 186 ft (56.7 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR 251 over Swan Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.