US Bridges

County Road 49 over Cahaba River Bridge

FairPosted for load

Perry County, Alabama · 1M E Old 5 at Jericho · Structure no. 011374

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
464 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
116
2001 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 49 over Cahaba River Bridge is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 49 over Cahaba River Bridge in Perry County, Alabama. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 116 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 130 by 2033. The structure is 464 ft (141.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.3 mi (60 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 49
CrossesCahaba River Bridge
Location1M E Old 5 at Jericho
RouteCounty Highway 49
CountyPerry County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.77446, -87.27393
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating46.6 US tons
Inventory rating27.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+3 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length464 ft (141.4 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic116 (2001)
Projected traffic130 by 2033
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed37.3 mi (60 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 49 over Cahaba River Bridge built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 49 over Cahaba River Bridge 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 County Road 49 over Cahaba River Bridge carry?

About 116 vehicles per day (2001 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is County Road 49 over Cahaba River Bridge?

The structure is 464 ft (141.4 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 49 over Cahaba River Bridge?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.