US Bridges

US 43 over Bates Creek

Fair

Washington County, Alabama · 3.4 Mi.N.Of Calvert · Structure no. 012152

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
615 ft
15 main spans
Daily traffic
4,785
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 43 over Bates Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 43 over Bates Creek 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 4,785 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,146 by 2033. The structure is 615 ft (187.5 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 43
CrossesBates Creek
Location3.4 Mi.N.Of Calvert
RouteU.S. Route 43
CountyWashington County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.20333, -88.015
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.8 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans15
Design loadHS 20
Structure length615 ft (187.5 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,785 (2013)
Projected traffic6,146 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$6.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 43 over Bates Creek built?

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

What condition is US 43 over Bates 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 2023.

How much traffic does US 43 over Bates Creek carry?

About 4,785 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 43 over Bates Creek?

The structure is 615 ft (187.5 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 43 over Bates Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.