US Bridges

Ramp I59 to SR68 over Little Wills Creek

Fair

DeKalb County, Alabama · JCT I-59 * SR 68 · Structure no. 007535

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
204 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,079
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ramp I59 to SR68 over Little Wills Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Ramp I59 to SR68 over Little Wills Creek in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 1,079 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,511 by 2042. The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesRamp I59 to SR68
CrossesLittle Wills Creek
LocationJCT I-59 * SR 68
RouteInterstate 59
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.27341, -85.87975
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating51.3 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length204 ft (62.2 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,079 (2022)
Projected traffic1,511 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure1
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ramp I59 to SR68 over Little Wills Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ramp I59 to SR68 over Little 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 Ramp I59 to SR68 over Little Wills Creek carry?

About 1,079 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is Ramp I59 to SR68 over Little Wills Creek?

The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Ramp I59 to SR68 over Little Wills Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.