US Bridges

Lawson RD over Branch

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Lawson RD * Wedgewood DR · Structure no. 002354

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,500
2018 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lawson RD over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Lawson RD over Branch in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 4,500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,000 by 2038. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesLawson RD
CrossesBranch
LocationLawson RD * Wedgewood DR
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.60219, -86.73519
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,500 (2018)
Projected traffic6,000 by 2038
Trucks10%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$279,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lawson RD over Branch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lawson 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Lawson RD over Branch carry?

About 4,500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Lawson RD over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Lawson RD over Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.