US Bridges

Ricks LN over Polk Branch

Fair

Colbert County, Alabama · Ricks LN - Polk Branch · Structure no. 001265

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
460
2006 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ricks LN over Polk Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ricks LN over Polk Branch in Colbert County, Alabama. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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. Its operating status is: open, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring.

It carries about 460 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,000 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesRicks LN
CrossesPolk Branch
LocationRicks LN - Polk Branch
RouteCounty Highway 61
CountyColbert County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.65986, -87.59893
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic460 (2006)
Projected traffic1,000 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$292,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ricks LN over Polk Branch built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ricks LN over Polk 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Ricks LN over Polk Branch carry?

About 460 vehicles per day (2006 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ricks LN over Polk Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Ricks LN over Polk Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.