US Bridges

Virginia Drive over Folkes Branch

Fair

Houston County, Alabama · Dothan · Structure no. 013278

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
650
2003 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Virginia Drive over Folkes Branch is a concrete channel beam carrying Virginia Drive over Folkes Branch in Houston County, Alabama. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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 5 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 650 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,174 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesVirginia Drive
CrossesFolkes Branch
LocationDothan
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHouston County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.21982, -85.40681
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating68.5 US tons
Inventory rating41.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic650 (2003)
Projected traffic1,174 by 2042
Trucks1%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$311,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Virginia Drive over Folkes Branch built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is Virginia Drive over Folkes 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Virginia Drive over Folkes Branch carry?

About 650 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Virginia Drive over Folkes Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Virginia Drive over Folkes Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.