US Bridges

I - 59 South over Gulf Creek

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · I 59 * Gulf Ck · Structure no. 007244

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
247 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10,590
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 59 South over Gulf Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying I - 59 South over Gulf Creek in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 10,590 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,102 by 2043. The structure is 247 ft (75.3 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesI - 59 South
CrossesGulf Creek
LocationI 59 * Gulf Ck
RouteInterstate 59
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.89556, -86.23944
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.4 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length247 ft (75.3 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,590 (2023)
Projected traffic13,102 by 2043
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 59 South over Gulf Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is I - 59 South over Gulf 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does I - 59 South over Gulf Creek carry?

About 10,590 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is I - 59 South over Gulf Creek?

The structure is 247 ft (75.3 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns I - 59 South over Gulf Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.