US Bridges

Atkins Road over Buck Creek

FairPosted for load

Walker County, Alabama · 1/4 Mile W HWY 5 · Structure no. 010244

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Atkins Road over Buck Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Atkins Road over Buck Creek in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 120 by 2032. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAtkins Road
CrossesBuck Creek
Location1/4 Mile W HWY 5
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.93333, -87.4
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
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 adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (1991)
Projected traffic120 by 2032
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$243,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Atkins Road over Buck Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Atkins Road over Buck 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 Atkins Road over Buck Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1991 count).

How long is Atkins Road over Buck Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Atkins Road over Buck Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.