US Bridges

CO RD 54 over Smith Branch

Fair

Houston County, Alabama · Al 52 to CO RD 48 · Structure no. 004634

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
655
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 54 over Smith Branch is a concrete culvert carrying CO RD 54 over Smith Branch in Houston County, Alabama. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 655 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 800 by 2033. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesCO RD 54
CrossesSmith Branch
LocationAl 52 to CO RD 48
RouteCounty Highway 54
CountyHouston County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.28645, -85.21214
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.6 US tons
Inventory rating22.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic655 (1992)
Projected traffic800 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$297,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 54 over Smith Branch built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 54 over Smith 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does CO RD 54 over Smith Branch carry?

About 655 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 54 over Smith Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns CO RD 54 over Smith Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.