US Bridges

SR 227 over Polecat Creek

Good

Marshall County, Alabama · 2 MI S JCT US431 * SR227 · Structure no. 007208

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
133 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,659
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 227 over Polecat Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 227 over Polecat Creek in Marshall County, Alabama. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1961, so it is 87 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 6,659 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,323 by 2041. The structure is 133 ft (40.5 m) long and 57 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 227
CrossesPolecat Creek
Location2 MI S JCT US431 * SR227
RouteState Highway 227
CountyMarshall County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.34686, -86.27355
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 rating41.1 US tons
Inventory rating24.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length133 ft (40.5 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width57 ft (17.4 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,659 (2021)
Projected traffic9,323 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$2.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 227 over Polecat Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is SR 227 over Polecat Creek 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SR 227 over Polecat Creek carry?

About 6,659 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 227 over Polecat Creek?

The structure is 133 ft (40.5 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 57 ft wide.

Who owns SR 227 over Polecat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.