US Bridges

HWY 59 over Big Creek

Fair

Dale County, Alabama · SEC-10 T-5-N R-25-E · Structure no. 006327

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
51 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,400
2007 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY 59 over Big Creek is a concrete culvert carrying HWY 59 over Big Creek in Dale County, Alabama. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 6 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 1,400 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,080 by 2034. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY 59
CrossesBig Creek
LocationSEC-10 T-5-N R-25-E
RouteCounty Highway 59
CountyDale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.42243, -85.53081
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,400 (2007)
Projected traffic2,080 by 2034
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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$568,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY 59 over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY 59 over Big 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does HWY 59 over Big Creek carry?

About 1,400 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is HWY 59 over Big Creek?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns HWY 59 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.