US Bridges

SR 51 over Big Uchee Creek

Fair

Russell County, Alabama · 11.7 MI N JCT SR 26 · Structure no. 004893

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
990
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 51 over Big Uchee Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 51 over Big Uchee Creek in Russell County, Alabama. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 5 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 990 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,355 by 2033. The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 51
CrossesBig Uchee Creek
Location11.7 MI N JCT SR 26
RouteState Highway 51
CountyRussell County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.40461, -85.36181
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.2 US tons
Inventory rating38.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic990 (2013)
Projected traffic1,355 by 2033
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$330,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 51 over Big Uchee Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 51 over Big Uchee 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SR 51 over Big Uchee Creek carry?

About 990 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is SR 51 over Big Uchee Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns SR 51 over Big Uchee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.