US Bridges

Old HWY 20 over Dry Creek

Fair

Colbert County, Alabama · Arnolds Truck Stop · Structure no. 010980

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
145
2010 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old HWY 20 over Dry Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying Old HWY 20 over Dry Creek in Colbert County, Alabama. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 145 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 435 by 2044. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld HWY 20
CrossesDry Creek
LocationArnolds Truck Stop
RouteCounty Highway 59
CountyColbert County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.70081, -87.64472
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating53.2 US tons
Inventory rating31.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic145 (2010)
Projected traffic435 by 2044
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$260,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old HWY 20 over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old HWY 20 over Dry 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 2024.

How much traffic does Old HWY 20 over Dry Creek carry?

About 145 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is Old HWY 20 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Old HWY 20 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.