US Bridges

Co. 174 over Branch

Fair

Chambers County, Alabama · 0.5 Mi. N. Lee Co. Line · Structure no. 003504

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
491
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. 174 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. 174 over Branch in Chambers County, Alabama. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 5 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: open, temporary structure in place while original is closed.

It carries about 491 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 729 by 2035. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCo. 174
CrossesBranch
Location0.5 Mi. N. Lee Co. Line
RouteCounty Highway 174
CountyChambers County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.7375, -85.37056
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, temporary structure in place while original is closed
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic491 (2009)
Projected traffic729 by 2035
Trucks6%
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$191,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. 174 over Branch built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. 174 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Co. 174 over Branch carry?

About 491 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Co. 174 over Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Co. 174 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.