US Bridges

Keener Gap Rd. over Little Wills Creek

FairPosted for load

Etowah County, Alabama · 800 SE of HWY 11 · Structure no. 017710

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
45 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Keener Gap Rd. over Little Wills Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Keener Gap Rd. over Little Wills Creek in Etowah County, Alabama. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 150 by 2034. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKeener Gap Rd.
CrossesLittle Wills Creek
Location800 SE of HWY 11
RouteCounty Highway 322
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.15509, -85.94891
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating38.4 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.4 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.1 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2003)
Projected traffic150 by 2034
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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$246,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Keener Gap Rd. over Little Wills Creek built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is Keener Gap Rd. 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Keener Gap Rd. over Little Wills Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is Keener Gap Rd. over Little Wills Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.4 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Keener Gap Rd. over Little Wills Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.