US Bridges

Walston Bridge RD over Blackwater Creek

FairPosted for load

Walker County, Alabama · 4 Mile N Jasper · Structure no. 007295

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
312 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
700
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Walston Bridge RD over Blackwater Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Walston Bridge RD over Blackwater Creek in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 700 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,200 by 2033. The structure is 312 ft (95.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesWalston Bridge RD
CrossesBlackwater Creek
Location4 Mile N Jasper
RouteCounty Highway 51
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.90456, -87.22847
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating46.1 US tons
Inventory rating27.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length312 ft (95.2 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic700 (1991)
Projected traffic2,200 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$1.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Walston Bridge RD over Blackwater Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is Walston Bridge RD 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Walston Bridge RD over Blackwater Creek carry?

About 700 vehicles per day (1991 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Walston Bridge RD over Blackwater Creek?

The structure is 312 ft (95.2 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Walston Bridge RD over Blackwater Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.