US Bridges

CO Rt 5 over Branch

Fair

Jackson County, Alabama · 1.1 MI S JCT US 72 · Structure no. 001398

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
39 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
370
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 5 over Branch is a concrete slab carrying CO Rt 5 over Branch in Jackson County, Alabama. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 6 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 370 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 495 by 2039. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO Rt 5
CrossesBranch
Location1.1 MI S JCT US 72
RouteCounty Highway 5
CountyJackson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.62521, -86.33039
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic370 (1989)
Projected traffic495 by 2039
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$337,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 5 over Branch built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 5 over 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does CO Rt 5 over Branch carry?

About 370 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is CO Rt 5 over Branch?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 5 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.