US Bridges

Co. 65 over Branch

PoorPosted for load

Chambers County, Alabama · 1.6 Mi. S.W. Marcoot · Structure no. 010596

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. 65 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. 65 over Branch in Chambers County, Alabama. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2034. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCo. 65
CrossesBranch
Location1.6 Mi. S.W. Marcoot
RouteCounty Highway 65
CountyChambers County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.92675, -85.48049
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating19.4 US tons
Inventory rating11.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.1 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (1992)
Projected traffic35 by 2034
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$191,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. 65 over Branch built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. 65 over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does Co. 65 over Branch carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (1992 count).

How long is Co. 65 over Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Co. 65 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.