US Bridges

Watermelon Road over Little Yellow Creek

Good

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · 10.4 MI NE of JCT US N 82 · Structure no. 008916

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
350
1996 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Watermelon Road over Little Yellow Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Watermelon Road over Little Yellow Creek in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 350 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2034. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesWatermelon Road
CrossesLittle Yellow Creek
Location10.4 MI NE of JCT US N 82
RouteCounty Highway 252
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.33934, -87.48046
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating68.1 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic350 (1996)
Projected traffic400 by 2034
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$442,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Watermelon Road over Little Yellow Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Watermelon Road over Little Yellow Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does Watermelon Road over Little Yellow Creek carry?

About 350 vehicles per day (1996 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Watermelon Road over Little Yellow Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns Watermelon Road over Little Yellow Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.