US Bridges

AL-18 over Lost Creek

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · Lost Crk at Carbon Hill · Structure no. 009170

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
306 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
3,624
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-18 over Lost Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying AL-18 over Lost Creek in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 3,624 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,835 by 2040. The structure is 306 ft (93.3 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-18
CrossesLost Creek
LocationLost Crk at Carbon Hill
RouteState Highway 118
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.88191, -87.51052
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.2 US tons
Inventory rating30.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length306 ft (93.3 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,624 (2020)
Projected traffic3,835 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-18 over Lost Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-18 over Lost 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does AL-18 over Lost Creek carry?

About 3,624 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is AL-18 over Lost Creek?

The structure is 306 ft (93.3 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns AL-18 over Lost Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.