US Bridges

Bluewater Road over Wolf Creek

Good

Walker County, Alabama · 1 Mile West Al HWY 69 · Structure no. 017955

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
130 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
80
2000 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bluewater Road over Wolf Creek is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying Bluewater Road over Wolf Creek in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 80 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2032. The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBluewater Road
CrossesWolf Creek
Location1 Mile West Al HWY 69
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.68333, -87.41667
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating60.7 US tons
Inventory rating36.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length130 ft (39.6 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80 (2000)
Projected traffic100 by 2032
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
TollToll bridge segment under Secretarial agreement
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$778,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bluewater Road over Wolf Creek built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bluewater Road over Wolf Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2024.

How much traffic does Bluewater Road over Wolf Creek carry?

About 80 vehicles per day (2000 count).

How long is Bluewater Road over Wolf Creek?

The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Bluewater Road over Wolf Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.