US Bridges

SR 59 over Watson Creek

Fair

Baldwin County, Alabama · 6.5 MI N JCT I-65 · Structure no. 000360

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,488
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 59 over Watson Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 59 over Watson Creek in Baldwin County, Alabama. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 years old, older 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 5 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 1,488 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,232 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 59
CrossesWatson Creek
Location6.5 MI N JCT I-65
RouteState Highway 59
CountyBaldwin County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.03202, -87.84016
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating57.7 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic1,488 (2023)
Projected traffic2,232 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$496,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 59 over Watson Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 59 over Watson 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SR 59 over Watson Creek carry?

About 1,488 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR 59 over Watson Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR 59 over Watson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.