US Bridges

Buddy Durham RD over Willis Creek

FairPosted for load

Colbert County, Alabama · Buddy Durham @ Natchez TR · Structure no. 001389

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2006 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Buddy Durham RD over Willis Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Buddy Durham RD over Willis Creek in Colbert County, Alabama. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBuddy Durham RD
CrossesWillis Creek
LocationBuddy Durham @ Natchez TR
RouteCounty Highway 3
CountyColbert County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.68006, -88.07056
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating11.5 US tons
Inventory rating6.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2006)
Projected traffic100 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$275,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Buddy Durham RD over Willis Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is Buddy Durham RD over Willis 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Buddy Durham RD over Willis Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2006 count).

How long is Buddy Durham RD over Willis Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Buddy Durham RD over Willis Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.