US Bridges

AL-5 over Mathis Creek

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · 447 E Mathis Creek RD · Structure no. 012646

Built
1924
101 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10,057
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-5 over Mathis Creek is a concrete culvert carrying AL-5 over Mathis Creek in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1924 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 101 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.

It carries about 10,057 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,000 by 2041. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-5
CrossesMathis Creek
Location447 E Mathis Creek RD
RouteState Highway 5
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.7943, -87.09938
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,057 (2020)
Projected traffic12,000 by 2041
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-5 over Mathis Creek built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is AL-5 over Mathis 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does AL-5 over Mathis Creek carry?

About 10,057 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is AL-5 over Mathis Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns AL-5 over Mathis Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.