US Bridges

Co. 147 over Big Branch

Fair

Chambers County, Alabama · 2 Mi. N. Shiloh · Structure no. 010619

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
27
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. 147 over Big Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. 147 over Big 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 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 27 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2035. The structure is 23 ft (7.1 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCo. 147
CrossesBig Branch
Location2 Mi. N. Shiloh
RouteCounty Highway 147
CountyChambers County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.05167, -85.52833
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
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating75.3 US tons
Inventory rating52.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length23 ft (7.1 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.8 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27 (1992)
Projected traffic50 by 2035
Trucks0%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$173,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. 147 over Big Branch built?

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

What condition is Co. 147 over Big 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 2023.

How much traffic does Co. 147 over Big Branch carry?

About 27 vehicles per day (1992 count).

How long is Co. 147 over Big Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7.1 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.8 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Co. 147 over Big Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.