US Bridges

I-20 over Cahulga Creek

Fair

Cleburne County, Alabama · 6.6 MI E JCT US 431 · Structure no. 009868

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
260 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
20,767
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-20 over Cahulga Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-20 over Cahulga Creek in Cleburne County, Alabama. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 20,767 vehicles a day, roughly 43% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,074 by 2043. The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesI-20
CrossesCahulga Creek
Location6.6 MI E JCT US 431
RouteInterstate 20
CountyCleburne County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.62068, -85.61087
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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.8 US tons
Inventory rating42.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length260 ft (79.2 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,767 (2023)
Projected traffic29,074 by 2043
Trucks43%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$2.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-20 over Cahulga Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-20 over Cahulga 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does I-20 over Cahulga Creek carry?

About 20,767 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 43% are trucks.

How long is I-20 over Cahulga Creek?

The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns I-20 over Cahulga Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.