US Bridges

Al 174 over Little Canoe Creek

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · 4.2 Mi.Ea. I-59 · Structure no. 003365

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
140 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,258
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 174 over Little Canoe Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Al 174 over Little Canoe 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 4,258 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,387 by 2042. The structure is 140 ft (42.7 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 174
CrossesLittle Canoe Creek
Location4.2 Mi.Ea. I-59
RouteState Highway 174
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.73311, -86.41022
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length140 ft (42.7 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,258 (2022)
Projected traffic6,387 by 2042
Trucks6%
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$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 174 over Little Canoe Creek built?

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

What condition is Al 174 over Little Canoe 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Al 174 over Little Canoe Creek carry?

About 4,258 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Al 174 over Little Canoe Creek?

The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Al 174 over Little Canoe Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.