US Bridges

Co. Hwy. 55 over Yellowleaf Creek

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 6.6 MI N HWY 25 Int · Structure no. 013032

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
222 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,400
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Hwy. 55 over Yellowleaf Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. Hwy. 55 over Yellowleaf Creek in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 1,400 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,960 by 2043. The structure is 222 ft (67.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Hwy. 55
CrossesYellowleaf Creek
Location6.6 MI N HWY 25 Int
RouteCounty Highway 55
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.30681, -86.55229
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.8 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+5 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length222 ft (67.8 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,400 (2023)
Projected traffic1,960 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$1.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Hwy. 55 over Yellowleaf Creek built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Hwy. 55 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Co. Hwy. 55 over Yellowleaf Creek carry?

About 1,400 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Co. Hwy. 55 over Yellowleaf Creek?

The structure is 222 ft (67.8 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Co. Hwy. 55 over Yellowleaf Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.