US Bridges

Duncan Road over Blackwater Creek

FairPosted for load

Walker County, Alabama · 1/4 Mile N HWY 5 · Structure no. 007595

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
136 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
950
2006 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Duncan Road over Blackwater Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Duncan Road over Blackwater Creek in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 950 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,200 by 2032. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDuncan Road
CrossesBlackwater Creek
Location1/4 Mile N HWY 5
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.91728, -87.37761
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.8 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic950 (2006)
Projected traffic1,200 by 2032
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$926,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Duncan Road over Blackwater Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Duncan Road 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Duncan Road over Blackwater Creek carry?

About 950 vehicles per day (2006 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Duncan Road over Blackwater Creek?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Duncan Road over Blackwater Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.