US Bridges

I-65 SB over Big Escambia Creek

Fair

Escambia County, Alabama · 7.5 MI N JCT SR 21 · Structure no. 006824

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
567 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,570
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-65 SB over Big Escambia Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying I-65 SB over Big Escambia Creek in Escambia County, Alabama. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 11,570 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,355 by 2041. The structure is 567 ft (172.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-65 SB
CrossesBig Escambia Creek
Location7.5 MI N JCT SR 21
RouteInterstate 65
CountyEscambia County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.16517, -87.36419
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.4 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+9 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length567 ft (172.8 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,570 (2021)
Projected traffic17,355 by 2041
Trucks28%
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$4.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-65 SB over Big Escambia Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-65 SB over Big Escambia 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 I-65 SB over Big Escambia Creek carry?

About 11,570 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is I-65 SB over Big Escambia Creek?

The structure is 567 ft (172.8 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns I-65 SB over Big Escambia Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.