US Bridges

AL-18 over Wolf Creek

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · AL-18 @ Wolf Creek · Structure no. 013623

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
538 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
994
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-18 over Wolf Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL-18 over Wolf Creek in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 994 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,379 by 2041. The structure is 538 ft (164 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-18
CrossesWolf Creek
LocationAL-18 @ Wolf Creek
RouteState Highway 18
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.70923, -87.47802
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+7 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length538 ft (164 m)
Longest span71 ft (21.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic994 (2020)
Projected traffic1,379 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$5.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-18 over Wolf Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-18 over Wolf 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 Wolf Creek carry?

About 994 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is AL-18 over Wolf Creek?

The structure is 538 ft (164 m) long with a longest span of 71 ft (21.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns AL-18 over Wolf Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.