US Bridges

AL-159 over Clear Creek

Fair

Pickens County, Alabama · 3.0 MI N Gordo · Structure no. 003136

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,493
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-159 over Clear Creek is a concrete culvert carrying AL-159 over Clear Creek in Pickens County, Alabama. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 1,493 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,820 by 2041. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-159
CrossesClear Creek
Location3.0 MI N Gordo
RouteState Highway 159
CountyPickens County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.36389, -87.89531
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic1,493 (2020)
Projected traffic1,820 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$264,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-159 over Clear Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-159 over Clear 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does AL-159 over Clear Creek carry?

About 1,493 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is AL-159 over Clear Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns AL-159 over Clear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.