US Bridges

Palmer Ave over Lil Cahaba Rv

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · Palmer Av * Lil Cahaba Rv · Structure no. 007429

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
510
2024 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Palmer Ave over Lil Cahaba Rv is a concrete channel beam carrying Palmer Ave over Lil Cahaba Rv in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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.

It carries about 510 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,000 by 2044. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPalmer Ave
CrossesLil Cahaba Rv
LocationPalmer Av * Lil Cahaba Rv
RouteCity Street 0
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.56667, -86.53333
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.9 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic510 (2024)
Projected traffic1,000 by 2044
Trucks1%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$296,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Palmer Ave over Lil Cahaba Rv built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is Palmer Ave over Lil Cahaba Rv 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Palmer Ave over Lil Cahaba Rv carry?

About 510 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Palmer Ave over Lil Cahaba Rv?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Palmer Ave over Lil Cahaba Rv?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.