US Bridges

Old Lee HWY over Burcham Branch

Good

Colbert County, Alabama · Old Lee E of Twin Elm LN · Structure no. 000632

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
765
2000 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Lee HWY over Burcham Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Old Lee HWY over Burcham Branch in Colbert County, Alabama. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 years old, older 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 765 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Lee HWY
CrossesBurcham Branch
LocationOld Lee E of Twin Elm LN
RouteCounty Highway 20
CountyColbert County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.74494, -87.92036
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic765 (2000)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$281,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Lee HWY over Burcham Branch built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Lee HWY over Burcham 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Old Lee HWY over Burcham Branch carry?

About 765 vehicles per day (2000 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Old Lee HWY over Burcham Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Old Lee HWY over Burcham Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.