US Bridges

Churchill Road over Blue Creek

PoorPosted for load

Tallapoosa County, Alabama · 2.4 M N Al 50 · Structure no. 001637

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
130 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
55
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Churchill Road over Blue Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying Churchill Road over Blue Creek in Tallapoosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 55 vehicles a day, projected to reach 70 by 2044. The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesChurchill Road
CrossesBlue Creek
Location2.4 M N Al 50
RouteCounty Highway 86
CountyTallapoosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.7314, -85.72819
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating6 US tons
Inventory rating4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length130 ft (39.6 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55 (2024)
Projected traffic70 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$518,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Churchill Road over Blue Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is Churchill 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 Churchill Road over Blue Creek carry?

About 55 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is Churchill Road over Blue Creek?

The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Churchill Road over Blue Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.