US Bridges

US 11 over Wills Creek

Fair

DeKalb County, Alabama · 4.9 MI N JCT US11*SR68 · Structure no. 001413

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
64 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,625
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 11 over Wills Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 11 over Wills Creek in DeKalb 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 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 2,625 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,675 by 2042. The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 11
CrossesWills Creek
Location4.9 MI N JCT US11*SR68
RouteU.S. Route 11
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.325, -85.81833
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length64 ft (19.5 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,625 (2022)
Projected traffic3,675 by 2042
Trucks6%
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$528,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 11 over Wills Creek built?

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

What condition is US 11 over 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 11 over Wills Creek carry?

About 2,625 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 11 over Wills Creek?

The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns US 11 over Wills Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.