US Bridges

I-59 over Big Wills Creek

Fair

DeKalb County, Alabama · 1 MI S JCT I59 * US11 · Structure no. 006444

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
340 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
15,601
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-59 over Big Wills Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying I-59 over Big Wills Creek in DeKalb 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 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 15,601 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,841 by 2042. The structure is 340 ft (103.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-59
CrossesBig Wills Creek
Location1 MI S JCT I59 * US11
RouteInterstate 59
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.49804, -85.69475
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.2 US tons
Inventory rating31.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadHS 20
Structure length340 ft (103.6 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,601 (2022)
Projected traffic21,841 by 2042
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$2.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-59 over Big Wills Creek built?

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

What condition is I-59 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does I-59 over Big Wills Creek carry?

About 15,601 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is I-59 over Big Wills Creek?

The structure is 340 ft (103.6 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns I-59 over Big Wills Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.