US Bridges

SR 21 over Salt Creek

Fair

Talladega County, Alabama · 5.7 MI S of Oxford · Structure no. 002683

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
205 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
5,648
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 21 over Salt Creek is a concrete slab carrying SR 21 over Salt 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 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 5,648 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,907 by 2043. The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 21
CrossesSalt Creek
Location5.7 MI S of Oxford
RouteState Highway 21
CountyTalladega County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.53811, -85.92685
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.2 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans11
Design loadH 15
Structure length205 ft (62.5 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,648 (2023)
Projected traffic7,907 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 21 over Salt Creek built?

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

What condition is SR 21 over Salt 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 SR 21 over Salt Creek carry?

About 5,648 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR 21 over Salt Creek?

The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SR 21 over Salt Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.