US Bridges

US 31 over Watson Creek

Fair

Chilton County, Alabama · 1.5 MI S Shelby CO Line · Structure no. 002532

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
48 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,770
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over Watson Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 31 over Watson Creek in Chilton County, Alabama. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 3,770 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,843 by 2043. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 31
CrossesWatson Creek
Location1.5 MI S Shelby CO Line
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyChilton County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.0492, -86.76182
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.4 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,770 (2016)
Projected traffic4,843 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$679,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 over Watson Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 31 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 2023.

How much traffic does US 31 over Watson Creek carry?

About 3,770 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Watson Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 31 over Watson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.