US Bridges

Flowers Chapel RD over Spann Branch

Fair

Houston County, Alabama · CO RD 59 to U.S. 84 · Structure no. 015650

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,230
1999 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Flowers Chapel RD over Spann Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Flowers Chapel RD over Spann Branch in Houston County, Alabama. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 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 1,230 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,800 by 2042. The structure is 45 ft (13.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFlowers Chapel RD
CrossesSpann Branch
LocationCO RD 59 to U.S. 84
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHouston County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.22, -85.48017
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating45.7 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,230 (1999)
Projected traffic1,800 by 2042
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$595,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Flowers Chapel RD over Spann Branch built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is Flowers Chapel RD over Spann 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 Flowers Chapel RD over Spann Branch carry?

About 1,230 vehicles per day (1999 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Flowers Chapel RD over Spann Branch?

The structure is 45 ft (13.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Flowers Chapel RD over Spann Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.