US Bridges

CR-56 over Ditch Branch

FairPosted for load

Coosa County, Alabama · 0.46 MI E of Weogufka · Structure no. 005581

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
107
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR-56 over Ditch Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR-56 over Ditch Branch in Coosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 69 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: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 107 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 159 by 2041. The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR-56
CrossesDitch Branch
Location0.46 MI E of Weogufka
RouteCounty Highway 56
CountyCoosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.02004, -86.30474
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating26.5 US tons
Inventory rating17.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.7 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic107 (2021)
Projected traffic159 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 CR-56 over Ditch Branch built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is CR-56 over Ditch 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 2025.

How much traffic does CR-56 over Ditch Branch carry?

About 107 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is CR-56 over Ditch Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns CR-56 over Ditch Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.