US Bridges

SR 68 over Big Wills Creek

Fair

DeKalb County, Alabama · 1 MI W JCT I-59 * SR 68 · Structure no. 002710

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
339 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
4,764
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 68 over Big Wills Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 68 over Big Wills Creek in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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 4,764 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,670 by 2043. The structure is 339 ft (103.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 68
CrossesBig Wills Creek
Location1 MI W JCT I-59 * SR 68
RouteState Highway 68
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.28333, -85.89667
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
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 inspectionJuly 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadH 15
Structure length339 ft (103.3 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,764 (2023)
Projected traffic6,670 by 2043
Trucks11%
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$2.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 68 over Big Wills Creek built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 68 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SR 68 over Big Wills Creek carry?

About 4,764 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SR 68 over Big Wills Creek?

The structure is 339 ft (103.3 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR 68 over Big Wills Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.