US Bridges

AL-6 over Buncombe Creek

Fair

Pickens County, Alabama · 0.7 MI W of Coalfire · Structure no. 012355

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
328 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
5,981
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-6 over Buncombe Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL-6 over Buncombe Creek in Pickens County, Alabama. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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.

It carries about 5,981 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,962 by 2040. The structure is 328 ft (100 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-6
CrossesBuncombe Creek
Location0.7 MI W of Coalfire
RouteU.S. Route 82
CountyPickens County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.4049, -88.1038
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating63.8 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length328 ft (100 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,981 (2020)
Projected traffic3,962 by 2040
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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$3.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-6 over Buncombe Creek built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-6 over Buncombe 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-6 over Buncombe Creek carry?

About 5,981 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is AL-6 over Buncombe Creek?

The structure is 328 ft (100 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns AL-6 over Buncombe Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.