US Bridges

CO Rt 43 over Pates Branch

Fair

Conecuh County, Alabama · 2.5 MI South Paul · Structure no. 006294

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
322
1995 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 43 over Pates Branch is a concrete culvert carrying CO Rt 43 over Pates Branch in Conecuh County, Alabama. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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.

It carries about 322 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 558 by 2035. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesCO Rt 43
CrossesPates Branch
Location2.5 MI South Paul
RouteCounty Highway 43
CountyConecuh County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.28911, -86.7385
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic322 (1995)
Projected traffic558 by 2035
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$248,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 43 over Pates Branch built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 43 over Pates 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 43 over Pates Branch carry?

About 322 vehicles per day (1995 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is CO Rt 43 over Pates Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 43 over Pates Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.