US Bridges

Al 5 over Washington Creek

Fair

Perry County, Alabama · 2.5 MI N Dallas CO Line · Structure no. 001906

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
178 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
1,358
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 5 over Washington Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al 5 over Washington Creek in Perry County, Alabama. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 5 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 1,358 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,829 by 2041. The structure is 178 ft (54.3 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 5
CrossesWashington Creek
Location2.5 MI N Dallas CO Line
RouteState Highway 5
CountyPerry County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.52297, -87.36882
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length178 ft (54.3 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,358 (2021)
Projected traffic1,829 by 2041
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$1.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 5 over Washington Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 5 over Washington 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Al 5 over Washington Creek carry?

About 1,358 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is Al 5 over Washington Creek?

The structure is 178 ft (54.3 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Al 5 over Washington Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.