US Bridges

Sipsey Road over Blackwater Creek

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · 3/4 Mile N HWY 78 · Structure no. 002214

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
368 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,440
2001 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sipsey Road over Blackwater Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sipsey Road over Blackwater Creek in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 3,440 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,110 by 2030. The structure is 368 ft (112.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSipsey Road
CrossesBlackwater Creek
Location3/4 Mile N HWY 78
RouteCounty Highway 20
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.81667, -87.13333
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.4 US tons
Inventory rating24.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length368 ft (112.1 m)
Longest span88 ft (26.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,440 (2001)
Projected traffic6,110 by 2030
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sipsey Road over Blackwater Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sipsey Road over Blackwater 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Sipsey Road over Blackwater Creek carry?

About 3,440 vehicles per day (2001 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Sipsey Road over Blackwater Creek?

The structure is 368 ft (112.1 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Sipsey Road over Blackwater Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.