US Bridges

CO Rt 1488 over Buck Branch

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · CR 1488 · Structure no. 005565

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 1488 over Buck Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO Rt 1488 over Buck Branch in Cullman 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 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2036. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO Rt 1488
CrossesBuck Branch
LocationCR 1488
RouteCounty Highway 45
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.26383, -86.76155
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.4 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (1991)
Projected traffic75 by 2036
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$240,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 1488 over Buck Branch built?

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

What condition is CO Rt 1488 over Buck 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does CO Rt 1488 over Buck Branch carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1991 count).

How long is CO Rt 1488 over Buck Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 1488 over Buck Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.