US Bridges

Co. Hwy. 26 over Wolf Creek

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 1.5 MI NW JCT Al 70 · Structure no. 003726

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
62 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,401
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Hwy. 26 over Wolf Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Co. Hwy. 26 over Wolf Creek in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 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 4,401 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,977 by 2044. The structure is 62 ft (19 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Hwy. 26
CrossesWolf Creek
Location1.5 MI NW JCT Al 70
RouteCounty Highway 26
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.19384, -86.65658
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating23.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length62 ft (19 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,401 (2024)
Projected traffic6,977 by 2044
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$669,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Hwy. 26 over Wolf Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Hwy. 26 over Wolf 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Co. Hwy. 26 over Wolf Creek carry?

About 4,401 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Co. Hwy. 26 over Wolf Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (19 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Co. Hwy. 26 over Wolf Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.