US Bridges

CO Rt 385 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Cullman County, Alabama · CR 385 · Structure no. 010553

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
400
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 385 over Branch is a concrete channel beam carrying CO Rt 385 over Branch in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 400 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 600 by 2035. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCO Rt 385
CrossesBranch
LocationCR 385
RouteCounty Highway 13
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.08157, -86.9432
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating50.2 US tons
Inventory rating30.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic400 (1991)
Projected traffic600 by 2035
Trucks5%
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$260,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 385 over Branch built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 385 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 CO Rt 385 over Branch carry?

About 400 vehicles per day (1991 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is CO Rt 385 over Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 385 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.