US Bridges

CO RD 39 over Big Wills Creek

FairPosted for load

DeKalb County, Alabama · 300 Ft E Al 227 T9SR7E · Structure no. 006614

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 2007
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
82 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
46
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 1959 and reconstructed in 2007, 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 46 vehicles a day, projected to reach 68 by 2043. The structure is 82 ft (25.1 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesCO RD 39
CrossesBig Wills Creek
Location300 Ft E Al 227 T9SR7E
RouteCounty Highway 39
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.21354, -85.94764
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating3 US tons
Inventory rating2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 10
Structure length82 ft (25.1 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.2 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width10 ft (3.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic46 (2023)
Projected traffic68 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$308,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 39 over Big Wills Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2007.

What condition is CO RD 39 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 2023.

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

About 46 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is CO RD 39 over Big Wills Creek?

The structure is 82 ft (25.1 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.2 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD 39 over Big Wills Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.