US Bridges

Old Elba Road over Bull Branch

FairPosted for load

Geneva County, Alabama · 3 Miles NW of Coffee Spri · Structure no. 017351

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
35 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
45
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Elba Road over Bull Branch is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Old Elba Road over Bull Branch in Geneva County, Alabama. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 69 by 2044. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Elba Road
CrossesBull Branch
Location3 Miles NW of Coffee Spri
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyGeneva County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.19014, -85.94725
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating24.7 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2024)
Projected traffic69 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$210,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Elba Road over Bull Branch built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Elba Road over Bull 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Old Elba Road over Bull Branch carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is Old Elba Road over Bull Branch?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Old Elba Road over Bull Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.