US Bridges

Sutton Bridge Rd. over Big Wills Creek Relief

Fair

Etowah County, Alabama · @ Brown Drive · Structure no. 005634

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
36 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,500
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sutton Bridge Rd. over Big Wills Creek Relief is a concrete culvert carrying Sutton Bridge Rd. over Big Wills Creek Relief 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 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 10,500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,500 by 2034. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSutton Bridge Rd.
CrossesBig Wills Creek Relief
Location@ Brown Drive
RouteCounty Highway 129
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.98825, -86.04605
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.4 US tons
Inventory rating26.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,500 (2003)
Projected traffic10,500 by 2034
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$450,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sutton Bridge Rd. over Big Wills Creek Relief built?

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

What condition is Sutton Bridge Rd. over Big Wills Creek Relief 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Sutton Bridge Rd. over Big Wills Creek Relief carry?

About 10,500 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Sutton Bridge Rd. over Big Wills Creek Relief?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Sutton Bridge Rd. over Big Wills Creek Relief?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.