US Bridges

CO RD 53 over Chewacla Creek

FairPosted for load

Macon County, Alabama · 1.5 Mi. North of SR 8 · Structure no. 004076

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
132 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
400
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 53 over Chewacla Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO RD 53 over Chewacla Creek in Macon County, Alabama. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 400 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 450 by 2036. The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesCO RD 53
CrossesChewacla Creek
Location1.5 Mi. North of SR 8
RouteCounty Highway 53
CountyMacon County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.46348, -85.65787
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.2 US tons
Inventory rating23.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length132 ft (40.2 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic400 (2016)
Projected traffic450 by 2036
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$862,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 53 over Chewacla Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 53 over Chewacla 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does CO RD 53 over Chewacla Creek carry?

About 400 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 53 over Chewacla Creek?

The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD 53 over Chewacla Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.