US Bridges

US 43 over Rocky Creek Relief

Fair

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · 0.4 MI S Fayette CO Line · Structure no. 000273

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
77 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,950
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 43 over Rocky Creek Relief is a concrete slab carrying US 43 over Rocky Creek Relief in Tuscaloosa 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 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 2,950 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,789 by 2038. The structure is 77 ft (23.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 43
CrossesRocky Creek Relief
Location0.4 MI S Fayette CO Line
RouteU.S. Route 43
CountyTuscaloosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.57428, -87.65837
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.1 US tons
Inventory rating25.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length77 ft (23.6 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,950 (2016)
Projected traffic3,789 by 2038
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$702,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 43 over Rocky Creek Relief built?

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

What condition is US 43 over Rocky Creek Relief 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 43 over Rocky Creek Relief carry?

About 2,950 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 43 over Rocky Creek Relief?

The structure is 77 ft (23.6 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns US 43 over Rocky Creek Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.