US Bridges

CR 518 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Cullman County, Alabama · CR 518 · Structure no. 011943

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
115
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 518 over Branch is a concrete channel beam carrying CR 518 over Branch in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 115 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 165 by 2036. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCR 518
CrossesBranch
LocationCR 518
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.04461, -86.7949
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating49.9 US tons
Inventory rating29.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic115 (1991)
Projected traffic165 by 2036
Trucks10%
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 CR 518 over Branch built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 518 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 2023.

How much traffic does CR 518 over Branch carry?

About 115 vehicles per day (1991 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CR 518 over Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns CR 518 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.