US Bridges

Al 21 over Middle Creek

Fair

Lowndes County, Alabama · 3.8 Mi.N.Of Wilcox CO Lin · Structure no. 003055

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
107 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
440
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 21 over Middle Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Al 21 over Middle Creek in Lowndes County, Alabama. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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. Its operating status is: open, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring.

It carries about 440 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 549 by 2033. The structure is 107 ft (32.6 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.1 mi (42 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 21
CrossesMiddle Creek
Location3.8 Mi.N.Of Wilcox CO Lin
RouteState Highway 21
CountyLowndes County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.04, -86.82
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.3 US tons
Inventory rating24.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length107 ft (32.6 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic440 (2013)
Projected traffic549 by 2033
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.1 mi (42 km)
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$873,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 21 over Middle Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 21 over Middle 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Al 21 over Middle Creek carry?

About 440 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Al 21 over Middle Creek?

The structure is 107 ft (32.6 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Al 21 over Middle Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.