US Bridges

Co. Hwy. 71 over Spring Creek

GoodPosted for load

Shelby County, Alabama · 1.7 Mi. So JCT CO.42 · Structure no. 008033

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
102 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
675
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Hwy. 71 over Spring Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Co. Hwy. 71 over Spring Creek in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 years old, older 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 675 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 945 by 2043. The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Hwy. 71
CrossesSpring Creek
Location1.7 Mi. So JCT CO.42
RouteCounty Highway 71
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.09791, -86.53385
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.8 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length102 ft (31.1 m)
Longest span33 ft (10 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic675 (2023)
Projected traffic945 by 2043
Trucks5%
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

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$867,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Hwy. 71 over Spring Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Hwy. 71 over Spring 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Co. Hwy. 71 over Spring Creek carry?

About 675 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Co. Hwy. 71 over Spring Creek?

The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Co. Hwy. 71 over Spring Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.