US Bridges

US 43 over Sweetwater Creek

Fair

Marengo County, Alabama · 3.2 Mi. N. of Dixons Mill · Structure no. 000611

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,310
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 43 over Sweetwater Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 43 over Sweetwater Creek in Marengo County, Alabama. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 3,310 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,252 by 2033. The structure is 33 ft (10.2 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 43
CrossesSweetwater Creek
Location3.2 Mi. N. of Dixons Mill
RouteU.S. Route 43
CountyMarengo County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.09793, -87.78163
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating95.8 US tons
Inventory rating57.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,310 (2013)
Projected traffic4,252 by 2033
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$484,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 43 over Sweetwater Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 43 over Sweetwater 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 43 over Sweetwater Creek carry?

About 3,310 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 43 over Sweetwater Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns US 43 over Sweetwater Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.