US Bridges

Al - 144 over Business Creek

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · 3rd Bridge No. Us. 231 · Structure no. 002457

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
134 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,080
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 144 over Business Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 144 over Business Creek in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 3,080 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,648 by 2043. The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 144
CrossesBusiness Creek
Location3rd Bridge No. Us. 231
RouteState Highway 144
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.67222, -86.24306
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.3 US tons
Inventory rating36.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length134 ft (40.8 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,080 (2023)
Projected traffic3,648 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 144 over Business Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 144 over Business 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 144 over Business Creek carry?

About 3,080 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Al - 144 over Business Creek?

The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 144 over Business Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.