US Bridges

W. Saunders Rd. over Saunders Branch

Good

Houston County, Alabama · US 231 S to CO RD 203 · Structure no. 020260

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,654
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

W. Saunders Rd. over Saunders Branch is a concrete culvert carrying W. Saunders Rd. over Saunders Branch in Houston County, Alabama. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 1,654 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,557 by 2033. The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesW. Saunders Rd.
CrossesSaunders Branch
LocationUS 231 S to CO RD 203
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHouston County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.15951, -85.40545
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 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 rating57.9 US tons
Inventory rating34.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,654 (2009)
Projected traffic2,557 by 2033
Trucks3%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$300,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was W. Saunders Rd. over Saunders Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is W. Saunders Rd. over Saunders 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does W. Saunders Rd. over Saunders Branch carry?

About 1,654 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is W. Saunders Rd. over Saunders Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns W. Saunders Rd. over Saunders Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.