US Bridges

Al 263 over Muscle Creek

Fair

Lowndes County, Alabama · 0.8 Mi.N.Of Butler CO Lin · Structure no. 009459

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
263 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
730
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 263 over Muscle Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al 263 over Muscle Creek in Lowndes County, Alabama. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 6 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 730 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 938 by 2033. The structure is 263 ft (80.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 41 mi (66 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 263
CrossesMuscle Creek
Location0.8 Mi.N.Of Butler CO Lin
RouteState Highway 263
CountyLowndes County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.97218, -86.71693
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating48 US tons
Inventory rating28.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length263 ft (80.2 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic730 (2013)
Projected traffic938 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed41 mi (66 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$2.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 263 over Muscle Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 263 over Muscle 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Al 263 over Muscle Creek carry?

About 730 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Al 263 over Muscle Creek?

The structure is 263 ft (80.2 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Al 263 over Muscle Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.