US Bridges

Atchison Trace over Big Creek

FairPosted for load

Shelby County, Alabama · 0.2 MI S JCT CO 26 · Structure no. 001172

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Atchison Trace over Big Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Atchison Trace over Big Creek in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 56 by 2044. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAtchison Trace
CrossesBig Creek
Location0.2 MI S JCT CO 26
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.19069, -86.67415
Functional classRural 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating3 US tons
Inventory rating2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2024)
Projected traffic56 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$254,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Atchison Trace over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Atchison Trace over Big 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Atchison Trace over Big Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is Atchison Trace over Big Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Atchison Trace over Big Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.