US Bridges

US 431 over Big Wills Creek

Fair

Etowah County, Alabama · US 431 * Big Wills Creek · Structure no. 005432

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
352 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,837
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 431 over Big Wills Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 431 over Big Wills Creek in Etowah County, Alabama. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 7,837 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,970 by 2043. The structure is 352 ft (107.3 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 431
CrossesBig Wills Creek
LocationUS 431 * Big Wills Creek
RouteU.S. Route 431
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.03327, -86.11046
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.8 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+9 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length352 ft (107.3 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,837 (2023)
Projected traffic10,970 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 431 over Big Wills Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 431 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 July 2023.

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

About 7,837 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 431 over Big Wills Creek?

The structure is 352 ft (107.3 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US 431 over Big Wills Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.