US Bridges

Firetower Road over Bates Creek

PoorPosted for load

Washington County, Alabama · Fairford · Structure no. 017014

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
1997 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Firetower Road over Bates Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying Firetower Road over Bates Creek in Washington County, Alabama. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 125 by 2037. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesFiretower Road
CrossesBates Creek
LocationFairford
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWashington County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.20572, -88.03926
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating3 US tons
Inventory rating2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (1997)
Projected traffic125 by 2037
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$235,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Firetower Road over Bates Creek built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Firetower Road over Bates Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does Firetower Road over Bates Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (1997 count).

How long is Firetower Road over Bates Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Firetower Road over Bates Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.