US Bridges

AL-18 over Yellow Creel

Fair

Lamar County, Alabama · Vernon City Limits · Structure no. 012159

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
408 ft
12 main spans
Daily traffic
3,590
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-18 over Yellow Creel is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL-18 over Yellow Creel in Lamar County, Alabama. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 3,590 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,380 by 2040. The structure is 408 ft (124.4 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-18
CrossesYellow Creel
LocationVernon City Limits
RouteState Highway 18
CountyLamar County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.75368, -88.10255
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 rating58.4 US tons
Inventory rating41.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans12
Design loadHS 20
Structure length408 ft (124.4 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,590 (2020)
Projected traffic4,380 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$4.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-18 over Yellow Creel built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-18 over Yellow Creel 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 Yellow Creel carry?

About 3,590 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is AL-18 over Yellow Creel?

The structure is 408 ft (124.4 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns AL-18 over Yellow Creel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.