US Bridges

US 231 over Briar Fork Flint River

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 8 MI S Tenn ST Line · Structure no. 005437

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
614 ft
18 main spans
Daily traffic
20,924
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 over Briar Fork Flint River is a concrete tee beam carrying US 231 over Briar Fork Flint River in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 20,924 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,294 by 2043. The structure is 614 ft (187.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 231
CrossesBriar Fork Flint River
Location8 MI S Tenn ST Line
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.87577, -86.57044
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.3 US tons
Inventory rating24.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans18
Design loadH 20
Structure length614 ft (187.1 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,924 (2023)
Projected traffic29,294 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$4.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231 over Briar Fork Flint River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 231 over Briar Fork Flint River 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does US 231 over Briar Fork Flint River carry?

About 20,924 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 231 over Briar Fork Flint River?

The structure is 614 ft (187.1 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 231 over Briar Fork Flint River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.