US Bridges

CO RD 70 over Graham Branch

PoorPosted for load

DeKalb County, Alabama · .5 MI S Blackoak CHT7SR6E · Structure no. 010957

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
104
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 70 over Graham Branch is a concrete channel beam carrying CO RD 70 over Graham Branch in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 104 vehicles a day, projected to reach 155 by 2043. 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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CarriesCO RD 70
CrossesGraham Branch
Location.5 MI S Blackoak CHT7SR6E
RouteCounty Highway 27
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.42412, -86.02244
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating26.5 US tons
Inventory rating16 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 traffic104 (2023)
Projected traffic155 by 2043
Trucks0%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$260,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 70 over Graham Branch built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 70 over Graham Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does CO RD 70 over Graham Branch carry?

About 104 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is CO RD 70 over Graham 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 RD 70 over Graham Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.