US Bridges

CO Rt 18 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Jackson County, Alabama · 0.5 MI S JCT CR 16 · Structure no. 008287

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
125
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 18 over Branch is a concrete channel beam carrying CO Rt 18 over Branch in Jackson County, Alabama. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 125 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 180 by 2040. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO Rt 18
CrossesBranch
Location0.5 MI S JCT CR 16
RouteCounty Highway 18
CountyJackson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.6177, -85.93153
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating28.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic125 (1989)
Projected traffic180 by 2040
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$218,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 18 over Branch built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 18 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does CO Rt 18 over Branch carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is CO Rt 18 over Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 18 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.