US Bridges

Co. Hwy. 26 over N. Fork of Big Creek

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 6.1 Mi. W of St. 70 · Structure no. 015604

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,770
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Hwy. 26 over N. Fork of Big Creek is a steel culvert carrying Co. Hwy. 26 over N. Fork of Big Creek in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 5 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 6,770 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,478 by 2044. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCo. Hwy. 26
CrossesN. Fork of Big Creek
Location6.1 Mi. W of St. 70
RouteCounty Highway 26
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.20693, -86.73095
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,770 (2024)
Projected traffic9,478 by 2044
Trucks2%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$377,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Hwy. 26 over N. Fork of Big Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Hwy. 26 over N. Fork of Big 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Co. Hwy. 26 over N. Fork of Big Creek carry?

About 6,770 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Co. Hwy. 26 over N. Fork of Big Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.2 m).

Who owns Co. Hwy. 26 over N. Fork of Big Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.