US Bridges

AL-257 over Duncan Creek

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · AL-257 Duncan Creek · Structure no. 007168

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,214
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-257 over Duncan Creek is a concrete culvert carrying AL-257 over Duncan Creek in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 4,214 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,236 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesAL-257
CrossesDuncan Creek
LocationAL-257 Duncan Creek
RouteState Highway 257
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.97443, -87.2179
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating61.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 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 traffic4,214 (2020)
Projected traffic3,236 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-257 over Duncan Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-257 over Duncan 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-257 over Duncan Creek carry?

About 4,214 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is AL-257 over Duncan Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns AL-257 over Duncan Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.