US Bridges

CO RD 39 over Big Wills Creek

PoorPosted for load

DeKalb County, Alabama · 500 Ft E Al 227 T9SR7E · Structure no. 004874

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
45
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 39 over Big Wills Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO RD 39 over Big Wills Creek in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 67 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesCO RD 39
CrossesBig Wills Creek
Location500 Ft E Al 227 T9SR7E
RouteCounty Highway 39
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.21345, -85.94722
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating6 US tons
Inventory rating4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width13 ft (4 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2023)
Projected traffic67 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$155,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 39 over Big Wills Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 39 over Big Wills Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does CO RD 39 over Big Wills Creek carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is CO RD 39 over Big Wills Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD 39 over Big Wills Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.