US Bridges

Kirby Road over Big Wills Creek

FairPosted for load

DeKalb County, Alabama · 0.5 Mi. SE of US HWY 11 · Structure no. 021628

Built
1970
55 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Kirby Road over Big Wills Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Kirby Road over Big Wills Creek in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1970 and reconstructed in 2021, so it is 55 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 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 10 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 12 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesKirby Road
CrossesBig Wills Creek
Location0.5 Mi. SE of US HWY 11
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.55353, -85.64139
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
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating21.9 US tons
Inventory rating13.6 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 width12 ft (3.8 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2023)
Projected traffic10 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$143,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Kirby Road over Big Wills Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

What condition is Kirby Road 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Kirby Road over Big Wills Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Kirby Road 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 12 ft wide.

Who owns Kirby Road over Big Wills Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.