US Bridges

CR-55 over Gold Branch

FairPosted for load

Coosa County, Alabama · 1.24 Miles SW of Unity · Structure no. 015003

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
363
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR-55 over Gold Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR-55 over Gold Branch in Coosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1956, 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 363 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 423 by 2041. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR-55
CrossesGold Branch
Location1.24 Miles SW of Unity
RouteCounty Highway 55
CountyCoosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.99178, -86.37356
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.8 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic363 (2021)
Projected traffic423 by 2041
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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$263,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR-55 over Gold Branch built?

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

What condition is CR-55 over Gold 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-55 over Gold Branch carry?

About 363 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is CR-55 over Gold Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns CR-55 over Gold Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.