US Bridges

Stephens Gap over Big Wills Creek

Fair

Etowah County, Alabama · .4 MI So Duck Springs RD · Structure no. 007815

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
497 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
330
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Stephens Gap over Big Wills Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Stephens Gap 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 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 330 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 330 by 2033. The structure is 497 ft (151.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesStephens Gap
CrossesBig Wills Creek
Location.4 MI So Duck Springs RD
RouteCounty Highway 342
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.15252, -85.98535
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.2 US tons
Inventory rating23.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+13 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length497 ft (151.5 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic330 (2003)
Projected traffic330 by 2033
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$3.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Stephens Gap over Big Wills Creek built?

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

What condition is Stephens Gap 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Stephens Gap over Big Wills Creek carry?

About 330 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Stephens Gap over Big Wills Creek?

The structure is 497 ft (151.5 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Stephens Gap over Big Wills Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.