US Bridges

Al - 261 over Vulcan Matl Haul Road

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 3.5 MI N US 31 · Structure no. 016666

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
170 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,100
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 261 over Vulcan Matl Haul Road is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 261 over Vulcan Matl Haul Road in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 11,100 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,544 by 2044. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 261
CrossesVulcan Matl Haul Road
Location3.5 MI N US 31
RouteState Highway 261
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.30653, -86.83306
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.2 US tons
Inventory rating25.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,100 (2024)
Projected traffic13,544 by 2044
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 261 over Vulcan Matl Haul Road built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 261 over Vulcan Matl Haul Road 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Al - 261 over Vulcan Matl Haul Road carry?

About 11,100 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Al - 261 over Vulcan Matl Haul Road?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 261 over Vulcan Matl Haul Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.