US Bridges

James Madison Road over Bradford Creek

PoorPosted for load

Madison County, Alabama · .50 Mile West of Wall Tri · Structure no. 019202

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
77 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

James Madison Road over Bradford Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying James Madison Road over Bradford Creek in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 80 by 2043. The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJames Madison Road
CrossesBradford Creek
Location.50 Mile West of Wall Tri
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.66333, -86.76083
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating3 US tons
Inventory rating2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 10
Structure length77 ft (23.5 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.2 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2023)
Projected traffic80 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$553,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was James Madison Road over Bradford Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is James Madison Road over Bradford Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does James Madison Road over Bradford Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is James Madison Road over Bradford Creek?

The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.2 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns James Madison Road over Bradford Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.