US Bridges

Valley School RD over Poley Creek

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · 1/2 Mile N HWY 78 · Structure no. 002226

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
36 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
200
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Valley School RD over Poley Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Valley School RD over Poley Creek in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2032. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesValley School RD
CrossesPoley Creek
Location1/2 Mile N HWY 78
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.83333, -87.18333
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (1991)
Projected traffic400 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$281,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Valley School RD over Poley Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Valley School RD over Poley 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Valley School RD over Poley Creek carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (1991 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Valley School RD over Poley Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Valley School RD over Poley Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.