US Bridges

196 over Elkahatchee Creek

Fair

Tallapoosa County, Alabama · 2.6 M N Ala 63/ALEX City · Structure no. 008450

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
602 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
285
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

196 over Elkahatchee Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 196 over Elkahatchee Creek in Tallapoosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 285 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 290 by 2041. The structure is 602 ft (183.5 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries196
CrossesElkahatchee Creek
Location2.6 M N Ala 63/ALEX City
RouteCity Street 0
CountyTallapoosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.87121, -85.91947
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.8 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length602 ft (183.5 m)
Longest span465 ft (141.7 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic285 (2021)
Projected traffic290 by 2041
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 196 over Elkahatchee Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is 196 over Elkahatchee 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does 196 over Elkahatchee Creek carry?

About 285 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is 196 over Elkahatchee Creek?

The structure is 602 ft (183.5 m) long with a longest span of 465 ft (141.7 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns 196 over Elkahatchee Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.