US Bridges

AL-5 over Horse Creek Trail

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · Horse Creek Golf Course · Structure no. 004013

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
190 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
15,450
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-5 over Horse Creek Trail is a concrete tee beam carrying AL-5 over Horse Creek Trail in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 15,450 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,532 by 2040. The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-5
CrossesHorse Creek Trail
LocationHorse Creek Golf Course
RouteState Highway 5
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.75136, -87.05901
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating46.7 US tons
Inventory rating28.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length190 ft (57.9 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width59 ft (18 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,450 (2020)
Projected traffic19,532 by 2040
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-5 over Horse Creek Trail built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-5 over Horse Creek Trail 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 AL-5 over Horse Creek Trail carry?

About 15,450 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is AL-5 over Horse Creek Trail?

The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns AL-5 over Horse Creek Trail?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.