US Bridges

SR 56 over Bassetts Creek

Fair

Washington County, Alabama · 5 Mi. E. of Chatom · Structure no. 010979

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
313 ft
13 main spans
Daily traffic
1,930
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 56 over Bassetts Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying SR 56 over Bassetts Creek in Washington County, Alabama. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 1,930 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,465 by 2033. The structure is 313 ft (95.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 56
CrossesBassetts Creek
Location5 Mi. E. of Chatom
RouteState Highway 56
CountyWashington County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.45096, -88.17355
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating54.1 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans13
Design loadH 15
Structure length313 ft (95.5 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,930 (2013)
Projected traffic2,465 by 2033
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 56 over Bassetts Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 56 over Bassetts 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SR 56 over Bassetts Creek carry?

About 1,930 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is SR 56 over Bassetts Creek?

The structure is 313 ft (95.5 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR 56 over Bassetts Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.