US Bridges

I 65 over Shoals Creek

Fair

Morgan County, Alabama · 0.2 MI S JCT I 65 & SR 36 · Structure no. 009539

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
57 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
34,110
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 65 over Shoals Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I 65 over Shoals Creek in Morgan County, Alabama. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 34,110 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 43,215 by 2033. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 65
CrossesShoals Creek
Location0.2 MI S JCT I 65 & SR 36
RouteInterstate 65
CountyMorgan County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.44636, -86.90106
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,110 (2023)
Projected traffic43,215 by 2033
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure5
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$4.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 65 over Shoals Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 65 over Shoals 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 2023.

How much traffic does I 65 over Shoals Creek carry?

About 34,110 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is I 65 over Shoals Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I 65 over Shoals Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.