US Bridges

SR 21 over Pennington Branch

Fair

Talladega County, Alabama · 3 MI N of Sylacauga · Structure no. 001566

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
9,228
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 21 over Pennington Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 21 over Pennington Branch in Talladega 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 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 9,228 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,919 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 21
CrossesPennington Branch
Location3 MI N of Sylacauga
RouteState Highway 21
CountyTalladega County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.26281, -86.21267
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating60 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.3 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 traffic9,228 (2022)
Projected traffic12,919 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$363,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 21 over Pennington Branch built?

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

What condition is SR 21 over Pennington Branch 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 SR 21 over Pennington Branch carry?

About 9,228 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR 21 over Pennington Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR 21 over Pennington Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.