US Bridges

CO 136 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 1.4 MI E Int CO 136* 39 · Structure no. 001498

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
230
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 136 over Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying CO 136 over Branch in Lauderdale County, Alabama. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 230 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 460 by 2031. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO 136
CrossesBranch
Location1.4 MI E Int CO 136* 39
RouteCounty Highway 136
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.97982, -87.43016
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating15 US tons
Inventory rating11 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.8 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic230 (1989)
Projected traffic460 by 2031
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$201,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 136 over Branch built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO 136 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 2023.

How much traffic does CO 136 over Branch carry?

About 230 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO 136 over Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns CO 136 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.