US Bridges

SR 21 over Dry Creek

Fair

Talladega County, Alabama · 2.5 MI S of Oxford · Structure no. 002685

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
89 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 21 over Dry Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 21 over Dry 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 6,100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,540 by 2043. The structure is 89 ft (27.1 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 21
CrossesDry Creek
Location2.5 MI S of Oxford
RouteState Highway 21
CountyTalladega County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.56544, -85.86219
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 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 rating66.8 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length89 ft (27.1 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,100 (2023)
Projected traffic8,540 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$793,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 21 over Dry Creek built?

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

What condition is SR 21 over Dry 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 Dry Creek carry?

About 6,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR 21 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 89 ft (27.1 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SR 21 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.