US Bridges

AL-6 over Coal Fire Creek Relief

Fair

Pickens County, Alabama · Coal Fire · Structure no. 012358

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
205 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,981
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-6 over Coal Fire Creek Relief is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL-6 over Coal Fire Creek Relief 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 2041. The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

CarriesAL-6
CrossesCoal Fire Creek Relief
LocationCoal Fire
RouteU.S. Route 82
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.4047, -88.09501
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.8 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length205 ft (62.5 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 2041
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$2.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-6 over Coal Fire Creek Relief built?

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

What condition is AL-6 over Coal Fire Creek Relief 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does AL-6 over Coal Fire Creek Relief carry?

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

How long is AL-6 over Coal Fire Creek Relief?

The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns AL-6 over Coal Fire Creek Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.