US Bridges

West Ft. Williams over Darby Creek

Fair

Talladega County, Alabama · Sylacauga · Structure no. 002239

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,200
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

West Ft. Williams over Darby Creek is a concrete culvert carrying West Ft. Williams over Darby Creek in Talladega County, Alabama. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 4,200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,900 by 2043. The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long and 63 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWest Ft. Williams
CrossesDarby Creek
LocationSylacauga
RouteCity Street 0
CountyTalladega County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.16667, -86.26667
Functional classUrban Local

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.1 US tons
Inventory rating44.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length34 ft (10.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.1 m)
Deck width63 ft (19.2 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,200 (2023)
Projected traffic5,900 by 2043
Trucks7%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$723,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was West Ft. Williams over Darby Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is West Ft. Williams over Darby 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does West Ft. Williams over Darby Creek carry?

About 4,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is West Ft. Williams over Darby Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.1 m) and a deck 63 ft wide.

Who owns West Ft. Williams over Darby Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.