US Bridges

US 43 over Little Paul Bayou

Fair

Washington County, Alabama · 2.3 Miles N. of Calvert · Structure no. 017288

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
123 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,785
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 43 over Little Paul Bayou is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 43 over Little Paul Bayou in Washington County, Alabama. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 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 123 ft (37.5 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

CarriesUS 43
CrossesLittle Paul Bayou
Location2.3 Miles N. of Calvert
RouteU.S. Route 43
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.18772, -88.01114
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.8 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length123 ft (37.5 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$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 43 over Little Paul Bayou built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 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 4,785 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 43 over Little Paul Bayou?

The structure is 123 ft (37.5 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 43 over Little Paul Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.