US Bridges

Balch Road over Knox Creeek

Good

Madison County, Alabama · 0.6 Mi. N of JCT US 72 W · Structure no. 019197

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,070
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Balch Road over Knox Creeek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Balch Road over Knox Creeek in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 86 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,070 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,050 by 2032. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesBalch Road
CrossesKnox Creeek
Location0.6 Mi. N of JCT US 72 W
RouteCounty Highway 16
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.7571, -86.76744
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.6 US tons
Inventory rating48.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.9 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,070 (2011)
Projected traffic6,050 by 2032
Trucks2%
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$1.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Balch Road over Knox Creeek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is Balch Road over Knox Creeek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does Balch Road over Knox Creeek carry?

About 4,070 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Balch Road over Knox Creeek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns Balch Road over Knox Creeek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.