US Bridges

CO RD 642 over Trib. W Fork Ltl River

Fair

DeKalb County, Alabama · 1.2 MI W Al 117 T5 R10 · Structure no. 011889

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
159
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 642 over Trib. W Fork Ltl River is a concrete channel beam carrying CO RD 642 over Trib. W Fork Ltl River in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 159 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 236 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

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO RD 642
CrossesTrib. W Fork Ltl River
Location1.2 MI W Al 117 T5 R10
RouteCounty Highway 179
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.58083, -85.55829
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating53.4 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic159 (2023)
Projected traffic236 by 2043
Trucks10%
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 642 over Trib. W Fork Ltl River built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 642 over Trib. W Fork Ltl River 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 CO RD 642 over Trib. W Fork Ltl River carry?

About 159 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 642 over Trib. W Fork Ltl River?

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 642 over Trib. W Fork Ltl River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.