US Bridges

Upper Columbus Rd. over Trib. of Big Creek

Fair

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · 2.2 MI NW of JCT US No 82 · Structure no. 004109

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
300
1997 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Upper Columbus Rd. over Trib. of Big Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Upper Columbus Rd. over Trib. of Big Creek in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 300 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2036. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUpper Columbus Rd.
CrossesTrib. of Big Creek
Location2.2 MI NW of JCT US No 82
RouteCounty Highway 83
CountyTuscaloosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.26569, -87.67908
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.7 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 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 traffic300 (1997)
Projected traffic400 by 2036
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$391,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Upper Columbus Rd. over Trib. of Big Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is Upper Columbus Rd. over Trib. of Big 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Upper Columbus Rd. over Trib. of Big Creek carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (1997 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Upper Columbus Rd. over Trib. of Big Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Upper Columbus Rd. over Trib. of Big Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.