US Bridges

Bob Wade LA over Fork of Dry Creek

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 1.7 MI E JCT Ala HWY 53 · Structure no. 002572

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Masonry
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,118
2002 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bob Wade LA over Fork of Dry Creek is a masonry slab carrying Bob Wade LA over Fork of Dry Creek in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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.

It carries about 3,118 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,741 by 2034. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBob Wade LA
CrossesFork of Dry Creek
Location1.7 MI E JCT Ala HWY 53
RouteCounty Highway 42
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.82259, -86.66539
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,118 (2002)
Projected traffic3,741 by 2034
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$376,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bob Wade LA over Fork of Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bob Wade LA over Fork of Dry 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 Bob Wade LA over Fork of Dry Creek carry?

About 3,118 vehicles per day (2002 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Bob Wade LA over Fork of Dry Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Bob Wade LA over Fork of Dry Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.