US Bridges

Wilderness Road over Furnace Branch

FairPosted for load

Jefferson County, Alabama · Wilderness Road *creek · Structure no. 007129

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,010
2016 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wilderness Road over Furnace Branch is a concrete channel beam carrying Wilderness Road over Furnace Branch in Jefferson 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 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 2,010 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,000 by 2036. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWilderness Road
CrossesFurnace Branch
LocationWilderness Road *creek
RouteCity Street 118
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.51091, -86.72244
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.7 US tons
Inventory rating25.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.5 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,010 (2016)
Projected traffic3,000 by 2036
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$353,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wilderness Road over Furnace Branch built?

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

What condition is Wilderness Road over Furnace 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 Wilderness Road over Furnace Branch carry?

About 2,010 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Wilderness Road over Furnace Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.5 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Wilderness Road over Furnace Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.