US Bridges

SR21 over Kelly Creek

Fair

Talladega County, Alabama · City of Talladega · Structure no. 002680

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
90 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,216
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR21 over Kelly Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR21 over Kelly Creek in Talladega County, Alabama. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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 3,216 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,502 by 2043. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR21
CrossesKelly Creek
LocationCity of Talladega
RouteState Highway 21
CountyTalladega County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.46942, -86.03337
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,216 (2023)
Projected traffic4,502 by 2043
Trucks13%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$883,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR21 over Kelly Creek built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR21 over Kelly 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does SR21 over Kelly Creek carry?

About 3,216 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SR21 over Kelly Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SR21 over Kelly Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.