US Bridges

Elkwood Section R over Fowler Creek

FairPosted for load

Madison County, Alabama · 1 MI W JCT US HWY 231 · Structure no. 007810

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
136 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
850
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Elkwood Section R over Fowler Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Elkwood Section R over Fowler Creek in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 850 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,055 by 2042. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesElkwood Section R
CrossesFowler Creek
Location1 MI W JCT US HWY 231
RouteCounty Highway 274
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.97654, -86.58531
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.
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 inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.8 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic850 (1992)
Projected traffic1,055 by 2042
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Elkwood Section R over Fowler Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Elkwood Section R over Fowler 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Elkwood Section R over Fowler Creek carry?

About 850 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Elkwood Section R over Fowler Creek?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Elkwood Section R over Fowler Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.