US Bridges

CO Rt 518 over Branch

Fair

Coffee County, Alabama · 3.5 Miles S.E. of Elba · Structure no. 015861

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 518 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO Rt 518 over Branch in Coffee County, Alabama. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 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 6 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 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 145 by 2044. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO Rt 518
CrossesBranch
Location3.5 Miles S.E. of Elba
RouteCounty Highway 518
CountyCoffee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.36951, -86.03571
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating49.8 US tons
Inventory rating29.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2024)
Projected traffic145 by 2044
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$215,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 518 over Branch built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 518 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does CO Rt 518 over Branch carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is CO Rt 518 over Branch?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 518 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.