US Bridges

Al - 53 (us 231) over Shoal Creek

Good

St. Clair County, Alabama · US 231 at Shoal Creek · Structure no. 019388

Built
2007
18 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
163 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,960
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 53 (us 231) over Shoal Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 53 (us 231) over Shoal Creek in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 2007, so it is 18 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 3,960 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,148 by 2043. The structure is 163 ft (49.8 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

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CarriesAl - 53 (us 231)
CrossesShoal Creek
LocationUS 231 at Shoal Creek
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.75722, -86.27667
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.7 US tons
Inventory rating40.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length163 ft (49.8 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.6 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck99 ft (30.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,960 (2023)
Projected traffic5,148 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 2007, making it 18 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 53 (us 231) over Shoal 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 June 2023.

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

About 3,960 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

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

The structure is 163 ft (49.8 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.6 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.