US Bridges

N Thornton Road over Blue Creek

PoorPosted for load

Tallapoosa County, Alabama · 2.6 M N Al 50 · Structure no. 000317

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
115
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

N Thornton Road over Blue Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying N Thornton Road over Blue Creek in Tallapoosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 100 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 115 vehicles a day, projected to reach 145 by 2044. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesN Thornton Road
CrossesBlue Creek
Location2.6 M N Al 50
RouteCounty Highway 275
CountyTallapoosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.73812, -85.73996
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating3 US tons
Inventory rating2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width13 ft (4 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic115 (2024)
Projected traffic145 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$250,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was N Thornton Road over Blue Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is N Thornton Road over Blue Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does N Thornton Road over Blue Creek carry?

About 115 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is N Thornton Road over Blue Creek?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns N Thornton Road over Blue Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.