US Bridges

County HWY 1543 over Short Creek

Good

Marshall County, Alabama · 814 Ft W JCT 1388 · Structure no. 014972

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
150 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
460
2000 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County HWY 1543 over Short Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County HWY 1543 over Short Creek in Marshall County, Alabama. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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 460 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 650 by 2044. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty HWY 1543
CrossesShort Creek
Location814 Ft W JCT 1388
RouteCounty Highway 543
CountyMarshall County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.25966, -86.13312
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating67.9 US tons
Inventory rating39.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic460 (2000)
Projected traffic650 by 2044
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County HWY 1543 over Short Creek built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is County HWY 1543 over Short 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does County HWY 1543 over Short Creek carry?

About 460 vehicles per day (2000 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is County HWY 1543 over Short Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns County HWY 1543 over Short Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.