US Bridges

Al - 261 over Creek

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · .1 Mi.No.Vulcan Matl · Structure no. 014319

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
11,100
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 261 over Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Al - 261 over Creek in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 100 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 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 11,100 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,544 by 2044. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 261
CrossesCreek
Location.1 Mi.No.Vulcan Matl
RouteState Highway 261
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.30643, -86.83048
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,100 (2024)
Projected traffic13,544 by 2044
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$281,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 261 over Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is Al - 261 over 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 2024.

How much traffic does Al - 261 over Creek carry?

About 11,100 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Al - 261 over Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Al - 261 over Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.