US Bridges

Al 21 over Town Creek

Fair

Talladega County, Alabama · City of Talladega · Structure no. 001102

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
46 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,693
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 21 over Town Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Al 21 over Town Creek in Talladega County, Alabama. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 5,693 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,970 by 2042. The structure is 46 ft (14.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 21
CrossesTown Creek
LocationCity of Talladega
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyTalladega County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.43342, -86.10929
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length46 ft (14.1 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,693 (2022)
Projected traffic7,970 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$1.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 21 over Town Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 21 over Town 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Al 21 over Town Creek carry?

About 5,693 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Al 21 over Town Creek?

The structure is 46 ft (14.1 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns Al 21 over Town Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.