US Bridges

Co. Hwy. 43 over Yellowleaf Creek

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 0.1 MI W JCT US 280 · Structure no. 012024

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
309 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,308
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Hwy. 43 over Yellowleaf Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. Hwy. 43 over Yellowleaf Creek in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger 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 3,308 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,631 by 2043. The structure is 309 ft (94.3 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Hwy. 43
CrossesYellowleaf Creek
Location0.1 MI W JCT US 280
RouteCounty Highway 43
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.35441, -86.6523
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.8 US tons
Inventory rating32.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+7 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length309 ft (94.3 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,308 (2023)
Projected traffic4,631 by 2043
Trucks5%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Hwy. 43 over Yellowleaf Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Hwy. 43 over Yellowleaf 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Co. Hwy. 43 over Yellowleaf Creek carry?

About 3,308 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Co. Hwy. 43 over Yellowleaf Creek?

The structure is 309 ft (94.3 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Co. Hwy. 43 over Yellowleaf Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.