US Bridges

Co. 1297 over Gross Branch

Good

Chambers County, Alabama · 2 Mi. S. W. Hickory Flat · Structure no. 013417

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
150
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. 1297 over Gross Branch is a concrete channel beam carrying Co. 1297 over Gross Branch in Chambers County, Alabama. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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 150 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 223 by 2037. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesCo. 1297
CrossesGross Branch
Location2 Mi. S. W. Hickory Flat
RouteCounty Highway 1297
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.07287, -85.30062
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.3 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2011)
Projected traffic223 by 2037
Trucks31%
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$388,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. 1297 over Gross Branch built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. 1297 over Gross 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Co. 1297 over Gross Branch carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is Co. 1297 over Gross Branch?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Co. 1297 over Gross Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.