US Bridges

County Road 5 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Cullman County, Alabama · CR 5 · Structure no. 002990

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 5 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 5 over Branch in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2035. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 5
CrossesBranch
LocationCR 5
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.89188, -86.97061
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.4 US tons
Inventory rating24.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (1991)
Projected traffic75 by 2035
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$172,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 5 over Branch built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 5 over 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does County Road 5 over Branch carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1991 count).

How long is County Road 5 over Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 5 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.