US Bridges

County Road 18 over Big Escambia Creek

Good

Monroe County, Alabama · Below Fonde Meltons House · Structure no. 018783

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
240 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
500
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 18 over Big Escambia Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 18 over Big Escambia Creek in Monroe County, Alabama. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 500 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 600 by 2033. The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 18
CrossesBig Escambia Creek
LocationBelow Fonde Meltons House
RouteCounty Highway 18
CountyMonroe County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.41086, -87.39072
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating72.8 US tons
Inventory rating37.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length240 ft (73.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2023)
Projected traffic600 by 2033
Trucks20%
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

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$2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 18 over Big Escambia Creek built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 18 over Big Escambia Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2025.

How much traffic does County Road 18 over Big Escambia Creek carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is County Road 18 over Big Escambia Creek?

The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 18 over Big Escambia Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.