US Bridges

Co. 133 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Chambers County, Alabama · 0.8 Mi. N.E. Sparkling SP · Structure no. 015566

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
15
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. 133 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. 133 over Branch in Chambers County, Alabama. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 40 by 2036. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. 133
CrossesBranch
Location0.8 Mi. N.E. Sparkling SP
RouteCounty Highway 133
CountyChambers County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.07971, -85.57892
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating26.2 US tons
Inventory rating19.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (1992)
Projected traffic40 by 2036
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$229,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. 133 over Branch built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. 133 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Co. 133 over Branch carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (1992 count).

How long is Co. 133 over Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Co. 133 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.