US Bridges

AL-118 over Watson Creek

Fair

Lamar County, Alabama · Mississippi State Line · Structure no. 000544

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,320
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-118 over Watson Creek is a concrete culvert carrying AL-118 over Watson Creek in Lamar County, Alabama. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 97 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 2,320 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,193 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.2 mi (47 km).

Location

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CarriesAL-118
CrossesWatson Creek
LocationMississippi State Line
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyLamar County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.88573, -88.2294
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionNovember 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating96.1 US tons
Inventory rating57.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,320 (2020)
Projected traffic3,193 by 2040
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.2 mi (47 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$392,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-118 over Watson Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is AL-118 over Watson 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does AL-118 over Watson Creek carry?

About 2,320 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is AL-118 over Watson Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns AL-118 over Watson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.