US Bridges

CO Rt 421 over Burns Branch

Fair

DeKalb County, Alabama · 1.5 MI W Aroney T9SR5E · Structure no. 010257

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
162
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 421 over Burns Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO Rt 421 over Burns Branch in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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.

It carries about 162 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 241 by 2044. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO Rt 421
CrossesBurns Branch
Location1.5 MI W Aroney T9SR5E
RouteCounty Highway 1
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.21501, -86.10172
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Operating rating73.9 US tons
Inventory rating49.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic162 (2024)
Projected traffic241 by 2044
Trucks22%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$264,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 421 over Burns Branch built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 421 over Burns 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 2024.

How much traffic does CO Rt 421 over Burns Branch carry?

About 162 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is CO Rt 421 over Burns Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 421 over Burns Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.