US Bridges

AL-18 over Hell Creek

Fair

Fayette County, Alabama · 1.2 MI E Lamar CO Line · Structure no. 013288

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
68 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,620
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-18 over Hell Creek is a concrete culvert carrying AL-18 over Hell Creek in Fayette County, Alabama. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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.

It carries about 1,620 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,316 by 2040. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-18
CrossesHell Creek
Location1.2 MI E Lamar CO Line
RouteState Highway 18
CountyFayette County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.74727, -87.92952
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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating69.6 US tons
Inventory rating41.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,620 (2020)
Projected traffic2,316 by 2040
Trucks5%
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$1.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-18 over Hell Creek built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-18 over Hell 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 Hell Creek carry?

About 1,620 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is AL-18 over Hell Creek?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m).

Who owns AL-18 over Hell Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.