US Bridges

Chestnut ST over Nowlin Branch

Good

Etowah County, Alabama · Chestnut ST * Nowlin Br · Structure no. 003247

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Good
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,170
2025 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Chestnut ST over Nowlin Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Chestnut ST over Nowlin Branch in Etowah County, Alabama. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 77 years old, older 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 1,170 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,914 by 2045. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesChestnut ST
CrossesNowlin Branch
LocationChestnut ST * Nowlin Br
RouteCity Street 0
StateAlabama
Coordinates34, -85.96667
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.4 US tons
Inventory rating42.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,170 (2025)
Projected traffic1,914 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$358,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Chestnut ST over Nowlin Branch built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is Chestnut ST over Nowlin 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Chestnut ST over Nowlin Branch carry?

About 1,170 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Chestnut ST over Nowlin Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Chestnut ST over Nowlin Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.