US Bridges

Co. RD 509 over Branch

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · CR 509 · Structure no. 003403

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
220
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. RD 509 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Co. RD 509 over Branch in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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.

It carries about 220 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2035. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. RD 509
CrossesBranch
LocationCR 509
RouteCounty Highway 5
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.98932, -86.76608
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating76.1 US tons
Inventory rating45.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic220 (1991)
Projected traffic300 by 2035
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$281,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. RD 509 over Branch built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. RD 509 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Co. RD 509 over Branch carry?

About 220 vehicles per day (1991 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Co. RD 509 over Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Co. RD 509 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.