US Bridges

Watermelon Road over Blue Creek

Good

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · 21.1 MI NE JCT US 82 · Structure no. 016493

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
1996 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Watermelon Road over Blue Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Watermelon Road over Blue Creek in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 years old, younger 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 110 by 2036. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWatermelon Road
CrossesBlue Creek
Location21.1 MI NE JCT US 82
RouteCounty Highway 252
CountyTuscaloosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.45068, -87.41253
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating75.1 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (1996)
Projected traffic110 by 2036
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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$1.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Watermelon Road over Blue Creek built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is Watermelon Road over Blue 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Watermelon Road over Blue Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1996 count).

How long is Watermelon Road over Blue Creek?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Watermelon Road over Blue Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.