US Bridges

Ripley Cutoff RD over Sims Creek

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · 2 Mi. North 78 Hwy. · Structure no. 015121

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
150
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ripley Cutoff RD over Sims Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ripley Cutoff RD over Sims Creek in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger 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 150 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 210 by 2030. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRipley Cutoff RD
CrossesSims Creek
Location2 Mi. North 78 Hwy.
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.89235, -87.44292
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (1991)
Projected traffic210 by 2030
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$287,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ripley Cutoff RD over Sims Creek built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ripley Cutoff RD over Sims 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Ripley Cutoff RD over Sims Creek carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (1991 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is Ripley Cutoff RD over Sims Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Ripley Cutoff RD over Sims Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.