US Bridges

I-65 over Watson Creek

Fair

Chilton County, Alabama · 1.2 MI S Shelby CO Line · Structure no. 006800

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
48,128
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-65 over Watson Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-65 over Watson Creek in Chilton County, Alabama. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 48,128 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 78,863 by 2043. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

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CarriesI-65
CrossesWatson Creek
Location1.2 MI S Shelby CO Line
RouteInterstate 65
CountyChilton County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.05155, -86.72713
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic48,128 (2021)
Projected traffic78,863 by 2043
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$4.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-65 over Watson Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-65 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does I-65 over Watson Creek carry?

About 48,128 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is I-65 over Watson Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns I-65 over Watson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.