US Bridges

Co. Hwy. 45 over Yellow Branch Creek

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 1.3 Mi. N of Al 25 · Structure no. 015190

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
606
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Hwy. 45 over Yellow Branch Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Co. Hwy. 45 over Yellow Branch Creek in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 606 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 822 by 2045. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Hwy. 45
CrossesYellow Branch Creek
Location1.3 Mi. N of Al 25
RouteCounty Highway 45
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.45335, -86.5007
Functional classRural Minor 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 inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating95 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic606 (2025)
Projected traffic822 by 2045
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$347,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Hwy. 45 over Yellow Branch Creek built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Hwy. 45 over Yellow Branch 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Co. Hwy. 45 over Yellow Branch Creek carry?

About 606 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Co. Hwy. 45 over Yellow Branch Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns Co. Hwy. 45 over Yellow Branch Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.