US Bridges

US 43 over Gaines Creek

Fair

Washington County, Alabama · 2.0 Mi. S. of Leroy · Structure no. 014444

Built
1987
38 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
63 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,240
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 43 over Gaines Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 43 over Gaines Creek in Washington County, Alabama. It was built in 1987 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 38 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 8,240 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,585 by 2033. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesUS 43
CrossesGaines Creek
Location2.0 Mi. S. of Leroy
RouteU.S. Route 43
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.48114, -88.01074
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,240 (2013)
Projected traffic10,585 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$2.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 43 over Gaines Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is US 43 over Gaines 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 Gaines Creek carry?

About 8,240 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 43 over Gaines Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns US 43 over Gaines Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.