US Bridges

CR 1486 over Buck Branch

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · CR 1486 · Structure no. 010216

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
51 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
25
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 1486 over Buck Branch is a concrete channel beam carrying CR 1486 over Buck Branch in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 40 by 2036. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 1486
CrossesBuck Branch
LocationCR 1486
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.26467, -86.77152
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (1991)
Projected traffic40 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$387,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 1486 over Buck Branch built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 1486 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 CR 1486 over Buck Branch carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (1991 count).

How long is CR 1486 over Buck Branch?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns CR 1486 over Buck Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.