US Bridges

Piedmont Cutoff over Branch

FairPosted for load

Calhoun County, Alabama · 1 MI W Piedmont · Structure no. 002056

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
354
2004 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Piedmont Cutoff over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Piedmont Cutoff over Branch in Calhoun County, Alabama. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 years old, older 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 354 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 766 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPiedmont Cutoff
CrossesBranch
Location1 MI W Piedmont
RouteCounty Highway 155
CountyCalhoun County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.93326, -85.63167
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating23.5 US tons
Inventory rating14.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic354 (2004)
Projected traffic766 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$267,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Piedmont Cutoff over Branch built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is Piedmont Cutoff over Branch 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Piedmont Cutoff over Branch carry?

About 354 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Piedmont Cutoff over Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Piedmont Cutoff over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.