US Bridges

AL-69 over Poley Creek

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · AL-69 Poley Creek · Structure no. 001481

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
80 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,100
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-69 over Poley Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying AL-69 over Poley Creek in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 5,100 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,629 by 2041. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-69
CrossesPoley Creek
LocationAL-69 Poley Creek
RouteState Highway 69
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.8408, -87.2151
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.6 US tons
Inventory rating36.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,100 (2020)
Projected traffic6,629 by 2041
Trucks16%
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$598,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-69 over Poley Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-69 over Poley 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does AL-69 over Poley Creek carry?

About 5,100 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is AL-69 over Poley Creek?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns AL-69 over Poley Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.