US Bridges

SR 20 over Wheeler Lake

Fair

Morgan County, Alabama · 1.1 M E JCT SR 20 & SR 67 · Structure no. 005706

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1957
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
24,460
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 20 over Wheeler Lake is a concrete culvert carrying SR 20 over Wheeler Lake in Morgan County, Alabama. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1957, so it is 97 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.

It carries about 24,460 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,944 by 2033. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 20
CrossesWheeler Lake
Location1.1 M E JCT SR 20 & SR 67
RouteState Highway 20
CountyMorgan County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.62, -87.01167
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,460 (2024)
Projected traffic32,944 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$1.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 20 over Wheeler Lake built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1957.

What condition is SR 20 over Wheeler Lake 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SR 20 over Wheeler Lake carry?

About 24,460 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SR 20 over Wheeler Lake?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns SR 20 over Wheeler Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.