US Bridges

County Road 185 over Big Wills Creek

FairPosted for load

DeKalb County, Alabama · T8S R8E Sec. 7 · Structure no. 019825

Built
2006
19 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
128 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
31
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 185 over Big Wills Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying County Road 185 over Big Wills Creek in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 2006, so it is 19 years old, younger 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 6 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 31 vehicles a day, projected to reach 46 by 2042. The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 185
CrossesBig Wills Creek
LocationT8S R8E Sec. 7
RouteCounty Highway 185
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.34961, -85.83747
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+3 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length128 ft (39 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic31 (2022)
Projected traffic46 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$439,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 185 over Big Wills Creek built?

It was built in 2006, making it 19 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 185 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 185 over Big Wills Creek carry?

About 31 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Road 185 over Big Wills Creek?

The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 185 over Big Wills Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.