US Bridges

Co. Hwy. 51 over Yellowleaf Creek

PoorPosted for load

Shelby County, Alabama · 1 MI So. JCT CO 55 · Structure no. 014984

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
88 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
800
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Hwy. 51 over Yellowleaf Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. Hwy. 51 over Yellowleaf Creek in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 800 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,120 by 2043. The structure is 88 ft (26.9 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Hwy. 51
CrossesYellowleaf Creek
Location1 MI So. JCT CO 55
RouteCounty Highway 51
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.32103, -86.5358
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating9 US tons
Inventory rating8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length88 ft (26.9 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.6 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (3.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic800 (2023)
Projected traffic1,120 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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$381,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Hwy. 51 over Yellowleaf Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Hwy. 51 over Yellowleaf Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does Co. Hwy. 51 over Yellowleaf Creek carry?

About 800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Co. Hwy. 51 over Yellowleaf Creek?

The structure is 88 ft (26.9 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.6 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Co. Hwy. 51 over Yellowleaf Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.