US Bridges

Co. Hwy. 81 over Blue Spring Branch

Good

Shelby County, Alabama · 0.3 MI S JCT CO 83 · Structure no. 013354

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
450
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Hwy. 81 over Blue Spring Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Co. Hwy. 81 over Blue Spring Branch in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 450 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 958 by 2044. The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Hwy. 81
CrossesBlue Spring Branch
Location0.3 MI S JCT CO 83
RouteCounty Highway 81
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.39147, -86.44304
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating77.1 US tons
Inventory rating46.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.3 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic450 (2024)
Projected traffic958 by 2044
Trucks2%
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$675,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Hwy. 81 over Blue Spring Branch built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Hwy. 81 over Blue Spring Branch 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Co. Hwy. 81 over Blue Spring Branch carry?

About 450 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Co. Hwy. 81 over Blue Spring Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns Co. Hwy. 81 over Blue Spring Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.