US Bridges

US 431 over Watermelon Creek

Fair

Russell County, Alabama · 3.8 MI N of Pittsview · Structure no. 013560

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
50 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,100
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 431 over Watermelon Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 431 over Watermelon Creek in Russell County, Alabama. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 8,100 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,120 by 2034. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 431
CrossesWatermelon Creek
Location3.8 MI N of Pittsview
RouteU.S. Route 431
CountyRussell County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.24325, -85.16622
Functional classRural Minor 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 inspectionJanuary 2024
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating73.4 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,100 (2009)
Projected traffic16,120 by 2034
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 431 over Watermelon Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 431 over Watermelon 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 431 over Watermelon Creek carry?

About 8,100 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 431 over Watermelon Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 431 over Watermelon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.