US Bridges

Ridgedale RD over Branch

FairPosted for load

Jackson County, Alabama · 1.7 MI W JCT SR 279 · Structure no. 010388

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
260
2024 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ridgedale RD over Branch is a concrete channel beam carrying Ridgedale RD over Branch in Jackson County, Alabama. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 260 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 386 by 2044. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRidgedale RD
CrossesBranch
Location1.7 MI W JCT SR 279
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJackson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.7, -86.02
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.7 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
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 (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic260 (2024)
Projected traffic386 by 2044
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 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 Ridgedale RD over Branch built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ridgedale RD 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Ridgedale RD over Branch carry?

About 260 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Ridgedale RD 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 Ridgedale RD over Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.