SR 51 over Watula Creek
FairLee County, Alabama · 1 MI N JCT US 80 · Structure no. 002012
- Built
- 1939
- 86 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected February 2025
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 71 ft
- 2 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 1,200
- 2013 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
SR 51 over Watula Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 51 over Watula Creek in Lee County, Alabama. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: open, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring.
It carries about 1,200 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,642 by 2033. The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was SR 51 over Watula Creek built?
It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.
What condition is SR 51 over Watula 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 February 2025.
How much traffic does SR 51 over Watula Creek carry?
About 1,200 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.
How long is SR 51 over Watula Creek?
The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.
Who owns SR 51 over Watula Creek?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.