US Bridges

HWY 68 over West Choctawhatchee R

GoodPosted for load

Dale County, Alabama · SEC-10 T-7-N R-25-E · Structure no. 006652

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
136 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
89
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY 68 over West Choctawhatchee R is a concrete tee beam carrying HWY 68 over West Choctawhatchee R in Dale County, Alabama. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 89 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 132 by 2034. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY 68
CrossesWest Choctawhatchee R
LocationSEC-10 T-7-N R-25-E
RouteCounty Highway 68
CountyDale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.60286, -85.52201
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.4 US tons
Inventory rating23.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic89 (2003)
Projected traffic132 by 2034
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$888,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY 68 over West Choctawhatchee R built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY 68 over West Choctawhatchee R in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does HWY 68 over West Choctawhatchee R carry?

About 89 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is HWY 68 over West Choctawhatchee R?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns HWY 68 over West Choctawhatchee R?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.