US Bridges

US 43 over Rocky Creek

Fair

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · 0.5 MI S Fayette CO Line · Structure no. 000341

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,950
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 43 over Rocky Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 43 over Rocky Creek in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 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 2,950 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,789 by 2044. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 43
CrossesRocky Creek
Location0.5 MI S Fayette CO Line
RouteU.S. Route 43
CountyTuscaloosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.5741, -87.6583
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating64.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,950 (2016)
Projected traffic3,789 by 2044
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$238,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 43 over Rocky Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 43 over Rocky 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 43 over Rocky Creek carry?

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

How long is US 43 over Rocky Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US 43 over Rocky Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.