US Bridges

AL-5 over Town Creek

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · AL-5 Town Creek · Structure no. 005458

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
37 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,128
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-5 over Town Creek is a concrete culvert carrying AL-5 over Town Creek in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 6 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 5,128 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,368 by 2040. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-5
CrossesTown Creek
LocationAL-5 Town Creek
RouteState Highway 5
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.84959, -87.27367
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,128 (2020)
Projected traffic5,368 by 2040
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-5 over Town Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-5 over Town 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 October 2023.

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

About 5,128 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is AL-5 over Town Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns AL-5 over Town Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.