US Bridges

AL-5 over Buck Creek

Good

Walker County, Alabama · AL-5 Buck Creek · Structure no. 019472

Built
2008
17 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
290 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,922
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-5 over Buck Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL-5 over Buck Creek in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 2008, so it is 17 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 2,922 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,405 by 2041. The structure is 290 ft (88.4 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-5
CrossesBuck Creek
LocationAL-5 Buck Creek
RouteState Highway 5
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.92985, -87.39585
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86.9 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length290 ft (88.4 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck99 ft (30.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,922 (2020)
Projected traffic3,405 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-5 over Buck Creek built?

It was built in 2008, making it 17 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-5 over Buck 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 October 2023.

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

About 2,922 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is AL-5 over Buck Creek?

The structure is 290 ft (88.4 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns AL-5 over Buck Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.