US Bridges

Whigham Road over Dunbar Creek

PoorPosted for load

Washington County, Alabama · Dunbar · Structure no. 017031

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
150
1997 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Whigham Road over Dunbar Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying Whigham Road over Dunbar Creek in Washington County, Alabama. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 150 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 170 by 2037. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

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CarriesWhigham Road
CrossesDunbar Creek
LocationDunbar
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWashington County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.67388, -88.34996
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.4 US tons
Inventory rating23.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (1997)
Projected traffic170 by 2037
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$305,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Whigham Road over Dunbar Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Whigham Road over Dunbar Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does Whigham Road over Dunbar Creek carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (1997 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Whigham Road over Dunbar Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Whigham Road over Dunbar Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.