US Bridges

County Road 16 over Whitsitt Creek Relief

Fair

Hale County, Alabama · 0.5 Mi. N. of Newbern · Structure no. 014673

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
52 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
300
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 16 over Whitsitt Creek Relief is a concrete culvert carrying County Road 16 over Whitsitt Creek Relief in Hale County, Alabama. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 125 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 300 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2033. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 16
CrossesWhitsitt Creek Relief
Location0.5 Mi. N. of Newbern
RouteCounty Highway 16
CountyHale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.605, -87.54
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating83.3 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (1991)
Projected traffic400 by 2033
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$603,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 16 over Whitsitt Creek Relief built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is County Road 16 over Whitsitt Creek Relief 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does County Road 16 over Whitsitt Creek Relief carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (1991 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is County Road 16 over Whitsitt Creek Relief?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 16 over Whitsitt Creek Relief?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.