US Bridges

CO RD 51 over Long Branch

Fair

Houston County, Alabama · Cowarts to US 431 · Structure no. 008363

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
281
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 51 over Long Branch is a concrete culvert carrying CO RD 51 over Long Branch in Houston County, Alabama. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 281 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 500 by 2033. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesCO RD 51
CrossesLong Branch
LocationCowarts to US 431
RouteCounty Highway 51
CountyHouston County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.30533, -85.34805
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.8 US tons
Inventory rating25.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 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 traffic281 (1992)
Projected traffic500 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$350,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 51 over Long Branch built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 51 over Long 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 51 over Long Branch carry?

About 281 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 51 over Long Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns CO RD 51 over Long Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.