US Bridges

Connector Road over Sandy Creek

FairPosted for load

Tallapoosa County, Alabama · 0.9 M N US 280 · Structure no. 012649

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
72 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
105
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Connector Road over Sandy Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Connector Road over Sandy Creek in Tallapoosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 100 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 105 vehicles a day, projected to reach 130 by 2044. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesConnector Road
CrossesSandy Creek
Location0.9 M N US 280
RouteCounty Highway 286
CountyTallapoosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.76268, -85.60454
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating15.9 US tons
Inventory rating11.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic105 (2024)
Projected traffic130 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$316,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Connector Road over Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is Connector Road 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Connector Road over Sandy Creek carry?

About 105 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is Connector Road over Sandy Creek?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Connector Road over Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.