US Bridges

Al - 53 (us 231) over Beaver Creek

Good

St. Clair County, Alabama · South of Ashville · Structure no. 018276

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
320 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,020
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 53 (us 231) over Beaver Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 53 (us 231) over Beaver Creek in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,020 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,226 by 2043. The structure is 320 ft (97.5 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 53 (us 231)
CrossesBeaver Creek
LocationSouth of Ashville
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.77877, -86.27968
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.7 US tons
Inventory rating41.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length320 ft (97.5 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,020 (2023)
Projected traffic5,226 by 2043
Trucks19%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 53 (us 231) over Beaver Creek built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 53 (us 231) over Beaver Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

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

About 4,020 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

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

The structure is 320 ft (97.5 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.