US Bridges

CO Rt 18 over Upton Branch

FairPosted for load

DeKalb County, Alabama · .5MI E Chigger HILLT7SR6E · Structure no. 009721

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
128
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 18 over Upton Branch is a concrete channel beam carrying CO Rt 18 over Upton Branch in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 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 128 vehicles a day, projected to reach 190 by 2043. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO Rt 18
CrossesUpton Branch
Location.5MI E Chigger HILLT7SR6E
RouteCounty Highway 44
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.39506, -86.00839
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating45.9 US tons
Inventory rating27.6 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 width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic128 (2023)
Projected traffic190 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$250,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 18 over Upton Branch built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 18 over Upton 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 18 over Upton Branch carry?

About 128 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is CO Rt 18 over Upton 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 CO Rt 18 over Upton Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.