US Bridges

Co. 44 over Branch

Good

Chambers County, Alabama · 2 Mi. S.W. Sikes · Structure no. 007998

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
59
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. 44 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Co. 44 over Branch in Chambers County, Alabama. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 59 vehicles a day, roughly 61% of them trucks, projected to reach 87 by 2033. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesCo. 44
CrossesBranch
Location2 Mi. S.W. Sikes
RouteCounty Highway 44
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.86359, -85.58509
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic59 (1992)
Projected traffic87 by 2033
Trucks61%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$481,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. 44 over Branch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. 44 over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2025.

How much traffic does Co. 44 over Branch carry?

About 59 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 61% are trucks.

How long is Co. 44 over Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Co. 44 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.