US Bridges

CO.279 over Branch

Fair

Chambers County, Alabama · 0.1MI.N.LEE Co.Line · Structure no. 008468

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
49 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
875
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO.279 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO.279 over Branch in Chambers County, Alabama. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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.

It carries about 875 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 930 by 2035. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO.279
CrossesBranch
Location0.1MI.N.LEE Co.Line
RouteCounty Highway 279
CountyChambers County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.76283, -85.19873
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating51.5 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic875 (1992)
Projected traffic930 by 2035
Trucks8%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$441,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO.279 over Branch built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO.279 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does CO.279 over Branch carry?

About 875 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is CO.279 over Branch?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns CO.279 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.