US Bridges

County Road 81 over Spring Branch

Good

Shelby County, Alabama · 1/2 Milem from CR83 · Structure no. 018186

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
37 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
500
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 81 over Spring Branch is a concrete culvert carrying County Road 81 over Spring Branch in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 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 500 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 700 by 2044. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 81
CrossesSpring Branch
Location1/2 Milem from CR83
RouteCounty Highway 81
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.39157, -86.443
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2024)
Projected traffic700 by 2044
Trucks5%
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$411,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 81 over Spring Branch built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 81 over Spring Branch 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 81 over Spring Branch carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is County Road 81 over Spring Branch?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 81 over Spring Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.