US Bridges

Al 5 over Rice Creek

Fair

Perry County, Alabama · N City Limits of Marion · Structure no. 005118

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
136 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,070
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 5 over Rice Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Al 5 over Rice Creek in Perry County, Alabama. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 3,070 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,135 by 2041. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 5
CrossesRice Creek
LocationN City Limits of Marion
RouteState Highway 5
CountyPerry County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.63311, -87.29842
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.8 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,070 (2021)
Projected traffic4,135 by 2041
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 5 over Rice Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 5 over Rice 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Al 5 over Rice Creek carry?

About 3,070 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is Al 5 over Rice Creek?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Al 5 over Rice Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.