US Bridges

I 59 over Big Wills Creek

Fair

Etowah County, Alabama · I 59 * Big Wills Ck · Structure no. 007546

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
602 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,305
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 59 over Big Wills Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 59 over Big Wills Creek in Etowah County, Alabama. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 13,305 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,627 by 2043. The structure is 602 ft (183.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 59
CrossesBig Wills Creek
LocationI 59 * Big Wills Ck
RouteInterstate 59
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.01126, -86.07551
Functional classUrban 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.2 US tons
Inventory rating29.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+13 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length602 ft (183.5 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,305 (2023)
Projected traffic18,627 by 2043
Trucks22%
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$4.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 59 over Big Wills Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 59 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does I 59 over Big Wills Creek carry?

About 13,305 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is I 59 over Big Wills Creek?

The structure is 602 ft (183.5 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns I 59 over Big Wills Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.