US Bridges

SR 49 over Buck Creek

Fair

Tallapoosa County, Alabama · .5 MI N JCT US 280 · Structure no. 011448

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
53 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,320
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 49 over Buck Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 49 over Buck Creek in Tallapoosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 years old, younger 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 2,320 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,248 by 2041. The structure is 53 ft (16.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 49
CrossesBuck Creek
Location.5 MI N JCT US 280
RouteState Highway 49
CountyTallapoosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.84929, -85.77907
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length53 ft (16.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,320 (2021)
Projected traffic3,248 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Buck Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 49 over Buck 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SR 49 over Buck Creek carry?

About 2,320 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is SR 49 over Buck Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR 49 over Buck Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.