US Bridges

SR 49 over Blue Creek

Fair

Tallapoosa County, Alabama · 2 MI N JCT SR 50 · Structure no. 002578

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
200 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,577
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 49 over Blue Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 49 over Blue Creek in Tallapoosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 3,577 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,007 by 2043. The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 49
CrossesBlue Creek
Location2 MI N JCT SR 50
RouteState Highway 49
CountyTallapoosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.73903, -85.78744
Functional classRural 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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating50.5 US tons
Inventory rating30.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length200 ft (61 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,577 (2023)
Projected traffic5,007 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$1.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 49 over Blue Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 49 over Blue 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SR 49 over Blue Creek carry?

About 3,577 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 49 over Blue Creek?

The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SR 49 over Blue Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.