US Bridges

CO RD 8 over Dismal Branch

FairPosted for load

Franklin County, Alabama · .8 MI SW US 43 CO 8 JCT · Structure no. 005145

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
47 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
140
1986 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 8 over Dismal Branch is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO RD 8 over Dismal Branch in Franklin County, Alabama. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 140 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 281 by 2031. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesCO RD 8
CrossesDismal Branch
Location.8 MI SW US 43 CO 8 JCT
RouteCounty Highway 8
CountyFranklin County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.32772, -87.78156
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating17.2 US tons
Inventory rating11.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic140 (1986)
Projected traffic281 by 2031
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$333,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 8 over Dismal Branch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 8 over Dismal 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does CO RD 8 over Dismal Branch carry?

About 140 vehicles per day (1986 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 8 over Dismal Branch?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD 8 over Dismal Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.