US Bridges

AL-5 over Dry Creek

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · AL-5 Dry Creek · Structure no. 002253

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
67 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,070
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-5 over Dry Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL-5 over Dry 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 4,070 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,096 by 2040. The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-5
CrossesDry Creek
LocationAL-5 Dry Creek
RouteState Highway 5
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.9113, -87.37587
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating67.5 US tons
Inventory rating40.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length67 ft (20.4 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,070 (2020)
Projected traffic5,096 by 2040
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$571,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-5 over Dry Creek built?

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

What condition is AL-5 over Dry 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does AL-5 over Dry Creek carry?

About 4,070 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is AL-5 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns AL-5 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.