US Bridges

Al - 261 over Buck Ck

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · Helena · Structure no. 005355

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
273 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
11,570
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 261 over Buck Ck is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 261 over Buck Ck in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 11,570 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,118 by 2044. The structure is 273 ft (83.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 261
CrossesBuck Ck
LocationHelena
RouteState Highway 261
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.29665, -86.84338
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
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.5 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length273 ft (83.2 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,570 (2024)
Projected traffic14,118 by 2044
Trucks4%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 261 over Buck Ck built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 261 over Buck Ck 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Al - 261 over Buck Ck carry?

About 11,570 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Al - 261 over Buck Ck?

The structure is 273 ft (83.2 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 261 over Buck Ck?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.