US Bridges

Watson Road over Thorton Creek

Good

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · .9 Mi. SW of Co. Road 35 · Structure no. 019926

Built
2007
18 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2007 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Watson Road over Thorton Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying Watson Road over Thorton Creek in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It was built in 2007, so it is 18 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 5 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2034. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWatson Road
CrossesThorton Creek
Location.9 Mi. SW of Co. Road 35
RouteCounty Highway 162
CountyTuscaloosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.45417, -87.73503
Functional classRural Local

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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating81.8 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2007)
Projected traffic15 by 2034
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$386,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Watson Road over Thorton Creek built?

It was built in 2007, making it 18 years old in 2025.

What condition is Watson Road over Thorton 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Watson Road over Thorton Creek carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2007 count).

How long is Watson Road over Thorton Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Watson Road over Thorton Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.