US Bridges

US 80 over Watoola Creek

Fair

Lee County, Alabama · 1.8 MI E JCT SR 51 · Structure no. 002279

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
156 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
2,460
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 80 over Watoola Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 80 over Watoola Creek in Lee County, Alabama. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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.

It carries about 2,460 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,217 by 2033. The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 80
CrossesWatoola Creek
Location1.8 MI E JCT SR 51
RouteU.S. Route 80
CountyLee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.44044, -85.33575
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.9 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length156 ft (47.5 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,460 (2013)
Projected traffic3,217 by 2033
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 80 over Watoola Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 80 over Watoola 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does US 80 over Watoola Creek carry?

About 2,460 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 80 over Watoola Creek?

The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns US 80 over Watoola Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.