US Bridges

Chipola Road over Chestnut Branch

FairPosted for load

Geneva County, Alabama · 3 Miles S.W.Of Malvern · Structure no. 002777

Built
1944
81 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Chipola Road over Chestnut Branch is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Chipola Road over Chestnut Branch in Geneva County, Alabama. It was built in 1944 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 81 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 6 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 135 by 2044. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesChipola Road
CrossesChestnut Branch
Location3 Miles S.W.Of Malvern
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyGeneva County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.09663, -85.50151
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating30.2 US tons
Inventory rating22.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2024)
Projected traffic135 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$194,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Chipola Road over Chestnut Branch built?

It was built in 1944, making it 81 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Chipola Road over Chestnut 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Chipola Road over Chestnut Branch carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is Chipola Road over Chestnut Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Chipola Road over Chestnut Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.