US Bridges

Deans Ferry Road over Longs Branch

PoorClosed to traffic

Blount County, Alabama · 2 MI N of County Line · Structure no. 003876

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2019
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
44 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
129
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Deans Ferry Road over Longs Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Deans Ferry Road over Longs Branch in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 years old, older 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 3 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: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 129 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 192 by 2039. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesDeans Ferry Road
CrossesLongs Branch
Location2 MI N of County Line
RouteCounty Highway 22
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.8461, -86.7276
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionMarch 2019
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.4 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic129 (2019)
Projected traffic192 by 2039
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$213,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Deans Ferry Road over Longs Branch built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Deans Ferry Road over Longs Branch 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 March 2019.

How much traffic does Deans Ferry Road over Longs Branch carry?

About 129 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Deans Ferry Road over Longs Branch?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Deans Ferry Road over Longs Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.