US Bridges

HWY 36 over West Choctawhatchee R

FairPosted for load

Dale County, Alabama · SEC-22 T-6-N R-25-E · Structure no. 004355

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
170 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,595
2004 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY 36 over West Choctawhatchee R is a concrete tee beam carrying HWY 36 over West Choctawhatchee R in Dale County, Alabama. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 1,595 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,370 by 2034. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY 36
CrossesWest Choctawhatchee R
LocationSEC-22 T-6-N R-25-E
RouteCounty Highway 36
CountyDale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.47509, -85.53042
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.4 US tons
Inventory rating23.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,595 (2004)
Projected traffic2,370 by 2034
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY 36 over West Choctawhatchee R built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY 36 over West Choctawhatchee R 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does HWY 36 over West Choctawhatchee R carry?

About 1,595 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is HWY 36 over West Choctawhatchee R?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns HWY 36 over West Choctawhatchee R?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.