US Bridges

SR 50 over Sandy Creek

Fair

Tallapoosa County, Alabama · 10.5 MI E JCT SR 49 · Structure no. 004390

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
233 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
528
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 50 over Sandy Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 50 over Sandy Creek in Tallapoosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 528 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 739 by 2042. The structure is 233 ft (71 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 50
CrossesSandy Creek
Location10.5 MI E JCT SR 49
RouteState Highway 50
CountyTallapoosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.78159, -85.67188
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.9 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+3 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length233 ft (71 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic528 (2022)
Projected traffic739 by 2042
Trucks5%
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$1.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 50 over Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 50 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR 50 over Sandy Creek carry?

About 528 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 50 over Sandy Creek?

The structure is 233 ft (71 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR 50 over Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.