US Bridges

AL-5 over Blackwater Creek

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · AL-5 Blackwater Creek · Structure no. 005110

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
170 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,730
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-5 over Blackwater Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying AL-5 over Blackwater Creek in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 1,730 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,003 by 2040. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-5
CrossesBlackwater Creek
LocationAL-5 Blackwater Creek
RouteState Highway 5
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.99275, -87.48143
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.8 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,730 (2020)
Projected traffic2,003 by 2040
Trucks5%
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$1.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-5 over Blackwater Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-5 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 June 2023.

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

About 1,730 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is AL-5 over Blackwater Creek?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns AL-5 over Blackwater Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.