US Bridges

Co. Hwy. 44 over Buck Creek

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 1.9 Mi. E. Jct. CO.17 · Structure no. 004883

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
63 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
7,242
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Hwy. 44 over Buck Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Co. Hwy. 44 over Buck Creek in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 7,242 vehicles a day, roughly 40% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,139 by 2045. The structure is 63 ft (19.1 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCo. Hwy. 44
CrossesBuck Creek
Location1.9 Mi. E. Jct. CO.17
RouteCounty Highway 44
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.24411, -86.82176
Functional classUrban 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.8 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length63 ft (19.1 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,242 (2025)
Projected traffic11,139 by 2045
Trucks40%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$538,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Hwy. 44 over Buck Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Hwy. 44 over Buck 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Co. Hwy. 44 over Buck Creek carry?

About 7,242 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 40% are trucks.

How long is Co. Hwy. 44 over Buck Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.1 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Co. Hwy. 44 over Buck Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.