US Bridges

Al 26 over Watermelon Creek

Fair

Russell County, Alabama · 1 MI West of Seale · Structure no. 013938

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
136 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,080
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 26 over Watermelon Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al 26 over Watermelon Creek in Russell County, Alabama. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 2,080 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,538 by 2033. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 26
CrossesWatermelon Creek
Location1 MI West of Seale
RouteState Highway 26
CountyRussell County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.29707, -85.1968
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating63.1 US tons
Inventory rating37.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,080 (2013)
Projected traffic2,538 by 2033
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 26 over Watermelon Creek built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 26 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Al 26 over Watermelon Creek carry?

About 2,080 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Al 26 over Watermelon Creek?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Al 26 over Watermelon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.