US Bridges

County Road over Watson Branch

Good

Dale County, Alabama · SEC-10 T-4-N R-24-E · Structure no. 012929

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
68 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
200
1996 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road over Watson Branch is a concrete channel beam carrying County Road over Watson Branch in Dale County, Alabama. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 200 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 255 by 2034. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road
CrossesWatson Branch
LocationSEC-10 T-4-N R-24-E
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.32821, -85.62166
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating87.1 US tons
Inventory rating52.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (1996)
Projected traffic255 by 2034
Trucks6%
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$620,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road over Watson Branch built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road over Watson Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does County Road over Watson Branch carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (1996 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is County Road over Watson Branch?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns County Road over Watson Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.