US Bridges

Lee Road 39 over Watoola Creek

FairPosted for load

Lee County, Alabama · 0.6 MI W JCT S 051 · Structure no. 004259

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
249
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lee Road 39 over Watoola Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Lee Road 39 over Watoola Creek in Lee County, Alabama. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 249 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 374 by 2044. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLee Road 39
CrossesWatoola Creek
Location0.6 MI W JCT S 051
RouteCounty Highway 1039
CountyLee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.47041, -85.37774
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.7 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic249 (2024)
Projected traffic374 by 2044
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$255,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lee Road 39 over Watoola Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lee Road 39 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Lee Road 39 over Watoola Creek carry?

About 249 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Lee Road 39 over Watoola Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Lee Road 39 over Watoola Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.