US Bridges

Mer. Bottom RD over Brier Fork Flint River

FairPosted for load

Madison County, Alabama · 1.6 MI East HWY 231NORTH · Structure no. 005654

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
272 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
1,774
2002 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mer. Bottom RD over Brier Fork Flint River is a concrete tee beam carrying Mer. Bottom RD over Brier 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,774 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,479 by 2035. The structure is 272 ft (82.9 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMer. Bottom RD
CrossesBrier Fork Flint River
Location1.6 MI East HWY 231NORTH
RouteCounty Highway 175
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.85335, -86.54326
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 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating46.1 US tons
Inventory rating27.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length272 ft (82.9 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,774 (2002)
Projected traffic1,479 by 2035
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$1.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mer. Bottom RD over Brier Fork Flint River built?

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

What condition is Mer. Bottom RD over Brier 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Mer. Bottom RD over Brier Fork Flint River carry?

About 1,774 vehicles per day (2002 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Mer. Bottom RD over Brier Fork Flint River?

The structure is 272 ft (82.9 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Mer. Bottom RD over Brier Fork Flint River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.