US Bridges

Co. Hwy. 26 over N.Fork Big Creek

Good

Shelby County, Alabama · 0.5 Mi. East CR 331 · Structure no. 015619

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,500
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Hwy. 26 over N.Fork Big Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Co. Hwy. 26 over N.Fork Big Creek in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,300 by 2044. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Hwy. 26
CrossesN.Fork Big Creek
Location0.5 Mi. East CR 331
RouteCounty Highway 26
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.20216, -86.70805
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating61.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 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 traffic4,500 (2024)
Projected traffic6,300 by 2044
Trucks10%
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$556,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Hwy. 26 over N.Fork Big Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

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

About 4,500 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

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

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

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

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.