US Bridges

Piney Chapel Road over Swan Creek

Good

Limestone County, Alabama · SEC21 T2S R4W · Structure no. 016016

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
845
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Piney Chapel Road over Swan Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Piney Chapel Road over Swan Creek in Limestone County, Alabama. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 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 845 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,259 by 2034. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesPiney Chapel Road
CrossesSwan Creek
LocationSEC21 T2S R4W
RouteCounty Highway 81
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.84845, -86.96094
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating54.9 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic845 (2014)
Projected traffic1,259 by 2034
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$554,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Piney Chapel Road over Swan Creek built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is Piney Chapel Road over Swan 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Piney Chapel Road over Swan Creek carry?

About 845 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Piney Chapel Road over Swan Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns Piney Chapel Road over Swan Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.