US Bridges

I-59 over Ut Cottondale Creek

Fair

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · 1.2 MI N JCT US 11 · Structure no. 008978

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
57,552
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-59 over Ut Cottondale Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-59 over Ut Cottondale Creek in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 57,552 vehicles a day, roughly 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 94,306 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-59
CrossesUt Cottondale Creek
Location1.2 MI N JCT US 11
RouteInterstate 59
CountyTuscaloosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.17287, -87.45432
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic57,552 (2020)
Projected traffic94,306 by 2043
Trucks32%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-59 over Ut Cottondale Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-59 over Ut Cottondale 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does I-59 over Ut Cottondale Creek carry?

About 57,552 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.

How long is I-59 over Ut Cottondale Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m).

Who owns I-59 over Ut Cottondale Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.