US Bridges

SR 251 over Piney Creek

Fair

Limestone County, Alabama · 2.9 M N JCT SR251 & I 65 · Structure no. 009481

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
213 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
5,510
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 251 over Piney Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 251 over Piney 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 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 5,510 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,513 by 2033. The structure is 213 ft (64.9 m) long and 33 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 251
CrossesPiney Creek
Location2.9 M N JCT SR251 & I 65
RouteState Highway 251
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.8288, -86.8951
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than 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 spans8
Design loadH 20
Structure length213 ft (64.9 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 traffic5,510 (2024)
Projected traffic6,513 by 2033
Trucks5%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 251 over Piney 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 Piney 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 Piney Creek carry?

About 5,510 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 251 over Piney Creek?

The structure is 213 ft (64.9 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR 251 over Piney Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.