US Bridges

Al 21 over Town Creek

Fair

Talladega County, Alabama · City of Talladega · Structure no. 014219

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
66 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,934
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 21 over Town Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Al 21 over Town 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 3,934 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,508 by 2042. The structure is 66 ft (20.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 21
CrossesTown Creek
LocationCity of Talladega
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyTalladega County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.42164, -86.11906
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.1 US tons
Inventory rating47.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length66 ft (20.2 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,934 (2022)
Projected traffic5,508 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 21 over Town Creek built?

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

What condition is Al 21 over Town 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Al 21 over Town Creek carry?

About 3,934 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Al 21 over Town Creek?

The structure is 66 ft (20.2 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m).

Who owns Al 21 over Town Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.