US Bridges

Co. Hwy. 73 over S. Fork of Shoal Creek

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 0.25 Mi. So. Al 25 · Structure no. 015593

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
34 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,405
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Hwy. 73 over S. Fork of Shoal Creek is a steel culvert carrying Co. Hwy. 73 over S. Fork of Shoal Creek in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 1,405 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,967 by 2045. The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Hwy. 73
CrossesS. Fork of Shoal Creek
Location0.25 Mi. So. Al 25
RouteCounty Highway 73
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.08563, -86.86934
Functional classUrban 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 inspectionJanuary 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length34 ft (10.5 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,405 (2025)
Projected traffic1,967 by 2045
Trucks10%
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$439,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Hwy. 73 over S. Fork of Shoal Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Hwy. 73 over S. Fork of Shoal 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Co. Hwy. 73 over S. Fork of Shoal Creek carry?

About 1,405 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Co. Hwy. 73 over S. Fork of Shoal Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns Co. Hwy. 73 over S. Fork of Shoal Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.