US Bridges

Buddy Durham RD over Calhoun Branch

FairPosted for load

Colbert County, Alabama · Buddy Durham RD Chip Seal · Structure no. 001710

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
220
2006 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Buddy Durham RD over Calhoun Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Buddy Durham RD over Calhoun Branch in Colbert County, Alabama. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 6 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 220 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 600 by 2044. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBuddy Durham RD
CrossesCalhoun Branch
LocationBuddy Durham RD Chip Seal
RouteCounty Highway 3
CountyColbert County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.71741, -88.07831
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating8.5 US tons
Inventory rating5.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic220 (2006)
Projected traffic600 by 2044
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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$239,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Buddy Durham RD over Calhoun Branch built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Buddy Durham RD over Calhoun 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Buddy Durham RD over Calhoun Branch carry?

About 220 vehicles per day (2006 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Buddy Durham RD over Calhoun Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Buddy Durham RD over Calhoun Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.