US Bridges

Charity LA over Copeland Creek

FairPosted for load

Madison County, Alabama · 2.3 MI NW Hazel Green · Structure no. 001143

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
82 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,250
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Charity LA over Copeland Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Charity LA over Copeland Creek in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 1,250 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,855 by 2040. The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCharity LA
CrossesCopeland Creek
Location2.3 MI NW Hazel Green
RouteCounty Highway 262
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.94714, -86.60811
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating22.9 US tons
Inventory rating12.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length82 ft (25 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,250 (1992)
Projected traffic1,855 by 2040
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$638,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Charity LA over Copeland Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is Charity LA over Copeland 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Charity LA over Copeland Creek carry?

About 1,250 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Charity LA over Copeland Creek?

The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Charity LA over Copeland Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.