US Bridges

SR 21 over Tuskehadky Branch

Fair

Talladega County, Alabama · 4.1 MI S of Oxford · Structure no. 002684

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,357
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 21 over Tuskehadky Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 21 over Tuskehadky Branch 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 5,357 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,499 by 2042. The structure is 43 ft (13 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 21
CrossesTuskehadky Branch
Location4.1 MI S of Oxford
RouteState Highway 21
CountyTalladega County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.5537, -85.8869
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.
Culvert5 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 above top of footing
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 rating44.9 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length43 ft (13 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,357 (2022)
Projected traffic7,499 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$389,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 21 over Tuskehadky Branch built?

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

What condition is SR 21 over Tuskehadky 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does SR 21 over Tuskehadky Branch carry?

About 5,357 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR 21 over Tuskehadky Branch?

The structure is 43 ft (13 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SR 21 over Tuskehadky Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.