US Bridges

W 8th ST over Darby Creek

Fair

Talladega County, Alabama · Sylacauga · Structure no. 005132

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
600
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

W 8th ST over Darby Creek is a steel culvert carrying W 8th ST over Darby Creek in Talladega County, Alabama. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 600 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 890 by 2043. The structure is 29 ft (8.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesW 8th ST
CrossesDarby Creek
LocationSylacauga
RouteCity Street 0
CountyTalladega County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.17794, -86.26072
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating44.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.9 m)
Longest span13 ft (4.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic600 (2023)
Projected traffic890 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$374,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was W 8th ST over Darby Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is W 8th ST 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 W 8th ST over Darby Creek carry?

About 600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is W 8th ST over Darby Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.9 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns W 8th ST over Darby Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.