US Bridges

US 431 over Little Wills Creek

Fair

Etowah County, Alabama · .1 Mi. SO.I-59 · Structure no. 001383

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
272 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
16,508
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 431 over Little Wills Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 431 over Little Wills Creek in Etowah County, Alabama. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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.

It carries about 16,508 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,111 by 2042. The structure is 272 ft (82.9 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 431
CrossesLittle Wills Creek
Location.1 Mi. SO.I-59
RouteU.S. Route 431
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.0192, -86.0733
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 inspectionJuly 2023
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.4 US tons
Inventory rating31.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length272 ft (82.9 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width62 ft (18.8 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,508 (2022)
Projected traffic23,111 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$4.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 431 over Little Wills Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 431 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 431 over Little Wills Creek carry?

About 16,508 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 431 over Little Wills Creek?

The structure is 272 ft (82.9 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns US 431 over Little Wills Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.