US Bridges

Al 21 over Talladega Creek

Fair

Talladega County, Alabama · City of Talladega · Structure no. 014218

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
410 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
5,532
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 21 over Talladega Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al 21 over Talladega Creek in Talladega County, Alabama. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 5,532 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,745 by 2042. The structure is 410 ft (125 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 21
CrossesTalladega Creek
LocationCity of Talladega
RouteState Highway 21
CountyTalladega County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.40538, -86.13605
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.5 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans11
Design loadHS 20
Structure length410 ft (125 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,532 (2022)
Projected traffic7,745 by 2042
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$4.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 21 over Talladega Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 21 over Talladega 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Al 21 over Talladega Creek carry?

About 5,532 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Al 21 over Talladega Creek?

The structure is 410 ft (125 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Al 21 over Talladega Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.