US Bridges

AL-18 over Frost Creek

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · 0.9 MI E Fayette CO Line · Structure no. 000972

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
880
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-18 over Frost Creek is a concrete culvert carrying AL-18 over Frost Creek in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 6 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 880 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,074 by 2041. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-18
CrossesFrost Creek
Location0.9 MI E Fayette CO Line
RouteState Highway 18
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.703, -87.5142
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic880 (2020)
Projected traffic1,074 by 2041
Trucks12%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$524,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-18 over Frost Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-18 over Frost 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does AL-18 over Frost Creek carry?

About 880 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is AL-18 over Frost Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns AL-18 over Frost Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.