US Bridges

Co. Rd. 138 over Branch

Fair

Houston County, Alabama · Ashford · Structure no. 000433

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
710
1992 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 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.

It carries about 710 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,100 by 2033. The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Rd. 138
CrossesBranch
LocationAshford
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHouston County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.18518, -85.24452
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating84.2 US tons
Inventory rating50.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.5 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 traffic710 (1992)
Projected traffic1,100 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$278,000 (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 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 September 2023.

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

About 710 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Co. Rd. 138 over Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.5 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.