US Bridges

Townsend Ford RD over Big Creek

Good

Limestone County, Alabama · 1.5 MI N. of New Cut RD · Structure no. 018164

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
76 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
250
2008 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Townsend Ford RD over Big Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Townsend Ford RD over Big Creek in Limestone County, Alabama. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 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 250 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 370 by 2028. The structure is 76 ft (23.1 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesTownsend Ford RD
CrossesBig Creek
Location1.5 MI N. of New Cut RD
RouteCounty Highway 33
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.84068, -87.07802
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length76 ft (23.1 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.9 m)
Roadway width55 ft (16.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2008)
Projected traffic370 by 2028
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Townsend Ford RD over Big Creek built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is Townsend Ford RD over Big 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Townsend Ford RD over Big Creek carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2008 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Townsend Ford RD over Big Creek?

The structure is 76 ft (23.1 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns Townsend Ford RD over Big Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.