US Bridges

Valley Ford Road over Johnson Branch

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · 2.8 MI N Johns RD Adger · Structure no. 012848

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
142
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Valley Ford Road over Johnson Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Valley Ford Road over Johnson Branch in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 years old, younger 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 142 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 220 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesValley Ford Road
CrossesJohnson Branch
Location2.8 MI N Johns RD Adger
RouteCounty Highway 412
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.41637, -87.08508
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.6 US tons
Inventory rating39.9 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 width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic142 (2023)
Projected traffic220 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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$249,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Valley Ford Road over Johnson Branch built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is Valley Ford Road over Johnson 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Valley Ford Road over Johnson Branch carry?

About 142 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Valley Ford Road over Johnson Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Valley Ford Road over Johnson Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.