US Bridges

Duncan Road over Blackwater Creek

FairPosted for load

Walker County, Alabama · 1/4 Mile N HWY 5 · Structure no. 007690

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
335 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
550
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Duncan Road over Blackwater Creek is a concrete continuous 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 5 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 550 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,220 by 2033. The structure is 335 ft (102.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesDuncan Road
CrossesBlackwater Creek
Location1/4 Mile N HWY 5
RouteCounty Highway 11
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.9185, -87.37681
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+5 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length335 ft (102.1 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic550 (1991)
Projected traffic1,220 by 2033
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

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$2 million (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 2025.

How much traffic does Duncan Road over Blackwater Creek carry?

About 550 vehicles per day (1991 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Duncan Road over Blackwater Creek?

The structure is 335 ft (102.1 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Duncan Road over Blackwater Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.