US Bridges

SR 3 over Town Creek

Fair

Morgan County, Alabama · 3 MI N JCT SR 3 & I 65 · Structure no. 004543

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,290
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 3 over Town Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying SR 3 over Town Creek in Morgan County, Alabama. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 5,290 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,795 by 2033. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesSR 3
CrossesTown Creek
Location3 MI N JCT SR 3 & I 65
RouteU.S. Route 31
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.36, -86.90833
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.1 US tons
Inventory rating39.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,290 (2023)
Projected traffic6,795 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$760,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 3 over Town Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 3 over Town 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR 3 over Town Creek carry?

About 5,290 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 3 over Town Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR 3 over Town Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.