US Bridges

AL-18 over Trib. of Hells Creek

Fair

Fayette County, Alabama · 0.5 MI E Lamar CO Line · Structure no. 000629

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1999
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,520
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-18 over Trib. of Hells Creek is a concrete culvert carrying AL-18 over Trib. of Hells Creek in Fayette County, Alabama. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1999, so it is 96 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 1,520 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,855 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-18
CrossesTrib. of Hells Creek
Location0.5 MI E Lamar CO Line
RouteState Highway 18
CountyFayette County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.74318, -87.94127
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating88.4 US tons
Inventory rating51.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.2 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,520 (2020)
Projected traffic1,855 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$380,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-18 over Trib. of Hells Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1999.

What condition is AL-18 over Trib. of Hells 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does AL-18 over Trib. of Hells Creek carry?

About 1,520 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is AL-18 over Trib. of Hells Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.2 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns AL-18 over Trib. of Hells Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.