US Bridges

US 11 over Big Wills Creek

Fair

DeKalb County, Alabama · 0.6MI N JCT US11*I59 · Structure no. 000334

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1935
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
244 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
8,037
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 11 over Big Wills Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 11 over Big Wills Creek in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1935, so it is 99 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 8,037 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,252 by 2043. The structure is 244 ft (74.4 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 11
CrossesBig Wills Creek
Location0.6MI N JCT US11*I59
RouteU.S. Route 11
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.48806, -85.71299
Functional classUrban 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
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.
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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.3 US tons
Inventory rating33.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length244 ft (74.4 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,037 (2023)
Projected traffic11,252 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$1.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 11 over Big Wills Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1935.

What condition is US 11 over Big Wills 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 11 over Big Wills Creek carry?

About 8,037 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 11 over Big Wills Creek?

The structure is 244 ft (74.4 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns US 11 over Big Wills Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.