US Bridges

Virginia Lane over Black Branch

Good

Jefferson County, Alabama · Virgiana Mines · Structure no. 012068

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
720
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Virginia Lane over Black Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Virginia Lane over Black Branch in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 720 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 900 by 2044. The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesVirginia Lane
CrossesBlack Branch
LocationVirgiana Mines
RouteCounty Highway 408
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.40542, -87.04859
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating95.6 US tons
Inventory rating57.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic720 (2024)
Projected traffic900 by 2044
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$365,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Virginia Lane over Black Branch built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Virginia Lane over Black Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does Virginia Lane over Black Branch carry?

About 720 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Virginia Lane over Black Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Virginia Lane over Black Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.