US Bridges

ST Clair CO 12 over Big Black Creek

FairPosted for load

St. Clair County, Alabama · 0 5 MI SE Whites Chapel · Structure no. 005311

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
253 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
6,660
2004 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

ST Clair CO 12 over Big Black Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying ST Clair CO 12 over Big Black Creek in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 6,660 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,926 by 2029. The structure is 253 ft (77.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesST Clair CO 12
CrossesBig Black Creek
Location0 5 MI SE Whites Chapel
RouteCounty Highway 123
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.59587, -86.53169
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 rating38.1 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length253 ft (77.1 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,660 (2004)
Projected traffic10,926 by 2029
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$1.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was ST Clair CO 12 over Big Black Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is ST Clair CO 12 over Big Black 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 2025.

How much traffic does ST Clair CO 12 over Big Black Creek carry?

About 6,660 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is ST Clair CO 12 over Big Black Creek?

The structure is 253 ft (77.1 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns ST Clair CO 12 over Big Black Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.