US Bridges

West Smithville RD over Watford Branch

Good

Houston County, Alabama · US 109 to US 231 · Structure no. 017488

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
68 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
430
1997 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

West Smithville RD over Watford Branch is a concrete channel beam carrying West Smithville RD over Watford Branch in Houston County, Alabama. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 years old, younger 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 430 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 640 by 2033. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWest Smithville RD
CrossesWatford Branch
LocationUS 109 to US 231
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHouston County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.09773, -85.41524
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.8 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic430 (1997)
Projected traffic640 by 2033
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$642,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was West Smithville RD over Watford Branch built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is West Smithville RD over Watford 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does West Smithville RD over Watford Branch carry?

About 430 vehicles per day (1997 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is West Smithville RD over Watford Branch?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns West Smithville RD over Watford Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.