US Bridges

Co. Hwy. 55 over Muddy Prong Creek

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 2 Mi. N. U.S. 280 · Structure no. 004080

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 2007
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
63 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,017
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Hwy. 55 over Muddy Prong Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Co. Hwy. 55 over Muddy Prong Creek in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 2007, so it is 74 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.

It carries about 1,017 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,425 by 2044. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Hwy. 55
CrossesMuddy Prong Creek
Location2 Mi. N. U.S. 280
RouteCounty Highway 55
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.3797, -86.5247
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
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating44.8 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,017 (2024)
Projected traffic1,425 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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$556,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Hwy. 55 over Muddy Prong Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2007.

What condition is Co. Hwy. 55 over Muddy Prong 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 Co. Hwy. 55 over Muddy Prong Creek carry?

About 1,017 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Co. Hwy. 55 over Muddy Prong Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Co. Hwy. 55 over Muddy Prong Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.