US Bridges

Co. 131 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Chambers County, Alabama · .2 Mi. E. Tal. Co. Line · Structure no. 006020

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
46
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. 131 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. 131 over Branch in Chambers County, Alabama. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 46 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 70 by 2037. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCo. 131
CrossesBranch
Location.2 Mi. E. Tal. Co. Line
RouteCounty Highway 131
CountyChambers County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.07652, -85.58838
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.8 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic46 (2014)
Projected traffic70 by 2037
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$217,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. 131 over Branch built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. 131 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Co. 131 over Branch carry?

About 46 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Co. 131 over Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Co. 131 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.