US Bridges

US 43 over Little Paul Bayou

Fair

Washington County, Alabama · 1.8 Mi.N.Of Calvert · Structure no. 012150

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
12,360
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 43 over Little Paul Bayou is a concrete culvert carrying US 43 over Little Paul Bayou in Washington County, Alabama. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 12,360 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,877 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 43
CrossesLittle Paul Bayou
Location1.8 Mi.N.Of Calvert
RouteU.S. Route 43
CountyWashington County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.18, -88.01333
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.7 US tons
Inventory rating44.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 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 traffic12,360 (2013)
Projected traffic15,877 by 2033
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 43 over Little Paul Bayou built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 43 over Little Paul Bayou 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 2023.

How much traffic does US 43 over Little Paul Bayou carry?

About 12,360 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 43 over Little Paul Bayou?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 43 over Little Paul Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.