US Bridges

Al - 53 (us 231) over Broken Arrow Creek

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · .9 Mi. No Al 144 · Structure no. 003268

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
131 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
4,820
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 53 (us 231) over Broken Arrow Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 53 (us 231) over Broken Arrow Creek in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 4,820 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,265 by 2043. The structure is 131 ft (39.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 53 (us 231)
CrossesBroken Arrow Creek
Location.9 Mi. No Al 144
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.66833, -86.27889
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating51.8 US tons
Inventory rating35.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length131 ft (39.9 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,820 (2023)
Projected traffic6,265 by 2043
Trucks14%
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 - 53 (us 231) over Broken Arrow Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 53 (us 231) over Broken Arrow 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 53 (us 231) over Broken Arrow Creek carry?

About 4,820 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Al - 53 (us 231) over Broken Arrow Creek?

The structure is 131 ft (39.9 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 53 (us 231) over Broken Arrow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.