US Bridges

Elkwood Section R over Walker Creek

FairPosted for load

Madison County, Alabama · 0.3 MI W US HWY 231 JCT · Structure no. 007811

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
204 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
820
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Elkwood Section R over Walker Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Elkwood Section R over Walker Creek in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 820 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,055 by 2042. The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesElkwood Section R
CrossesWalker Creek
Location0.3 MI W US HWY 231 JCT
RouteCounty Highway 274
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.9762, -86.57343
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.8 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length204 ft (62.2 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic820 (1992)
Projected traffic1,055 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Elkwood Section R over Walker Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Elkwood Section R over Walker 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Elkwood Section R over Walker Creek carry?

About 820 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Elkwood Section R over Walker Creek?

The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Elkwood Section R over Walker Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.