US Bridges

Elkwood Section R over W Fork Copeland Creek

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 100 Ft W JCT FAS Rt 45 04 · Structure no. 001859

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Slab
Masonry
Length
56 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
620
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Elkwood Section R over W Fork Copeland Creek is a masonry slab carrying Elkwood Section R over W Fork Copeland Creek in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 620 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 840 by 2029. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesElkwood Section R
CrossesW Fork Copeland Creek
Location100 Ft W JCT FAS Rt 45 04
RouteCounty Highway 274
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.97695, -86.64222
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
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 inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length56 ft (17.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic620 (1992)
Projected traffic840 by 2029
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$382,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Elkwood Section R over W Fork Copeland Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Elkwood Section R over W Fork 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Elkwood Section R over W Fork Copeland Creek carry?

About 620 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Elkwood Section R over W Fork Copeland Creek?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Elkwood Section R over W Fork Copeland Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.