US Bridges

Co. Rd. 138 over Branch

Good

Houston County, Alabama · Two Miles West of Ashford · Structure no. 000432

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
800
1990 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Rd. 138 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Co. Rd. 138 over Branch in Houston County, Alabama. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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 800 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,000 by 2033. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Rd. 138
CrossesBranch
LocationTwo Miles West of Ashford
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHouston County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.18661, -85.26521
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating73.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic800 (1990)
Projected traffic1,000 by 2033
Trucks7%
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$224,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Rd. 138 over Branch built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Rd. 138 over 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Co. Rd. 138 over Branch carry?

About 800 vehicles per day (1990 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Co. Rd. 138 over Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Co. Rd. 138 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.