US Bridges

Old US RD over Howard Branch

Good

Houston County, Alabama · Fla Line to Ala 53 · Structure no. 010723

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
350
1990 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old US RD over Howard Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Old US RD over Howard Branch in Houston County, Alabama. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 350 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 700 by 2033. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesOld US RD
CrossesHoward Branch
LocationFla Line to Ala 53
RouteCounty Highway 0
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.00167, -85.22868
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 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 rating90.2 US tons
Inventory rating54.1 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 traffic350 (1990)
Projected traffic700 by 2033
Trucks10%
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$315,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old US RD over Howard Branch built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old US RD over Howard 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Old US RD over Howard Branch carry?

About 350 vehicles per day (1990 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Old US RD over Howard Branch?

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

Who owns Old US RD over Howard Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.