US Bridges

SR 49 over Sandy Creek

Fair

Tallapoosa County, Alabama · 6.5 MI N JCT SR 50 · Structure no. 002579

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
220 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,918
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 49 over Sandy Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 49 over Sandy 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 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 4,918 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,885 by 2042. The structure is 220 ft (67.1 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 49
CrossesSandy Creek
Location6.5 MI N JCT SR 50
RouteState Highway 49
CountyTallapoosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.79842, -85.78953
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating43.9 US tons
Inventory rating26.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length220 ft (67.1 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,918 (2022)
Projected traffic6,885 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$1.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 49 over Sandy Creek built?

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

What condition is SR 49 over Sandy 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does SR 49 over Sandy Creek carry?

About 4,918 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR 49 over Sandy Creek?

The structure is 220 ft (67.1 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SR 49 over Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.