US Bridges

Friend Road over Poplar Creek

Good

Limestone County, Alabama · Sec 26 T3S R5W · Structure no. 019481

Built
2005
20 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
60 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
275
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Friend Road over Poplar Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Friend Road over Poplar Creek in Limestone County, Alabama. It was built in 2005, so it is 20 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 275 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2029. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFriend Road
CrossesPoplar Creek
LocationSec 26 T3S R5W
RouteCounty Highway 34
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.75536, -87.13327
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.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.4 US tons
Inventory rating47.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic275 (2009)
Projected traffic400 by 2029
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$679,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Friend Road over Poplar Creek built?

It was built in 2005, making it 20 years old in 2025.

What condition is Friend Road over Poplar 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Friend Road over Poplar Creek carry?

About 275 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Friend Road over Poplar Creek?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Friend Road over Poplar Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.