US Bridges

CO 50 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 0.3 MI E CO 89 · Structure no. 001590

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
235
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 50 over Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying CO 50 over Branch in Lauderdale County, Alabama. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 235 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 470 by 2031. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO 50
CrossesBranch
Location0.3 MI E CO 89
RouteCounty Highway 50
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.90997, -87.31428
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 inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating14 US tons
Inventory rating10.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic235 (1989)
Projected traffic470 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$262,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 50 over Branch built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO 50 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does CO 50 over Branch carry?

About 235 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO 50 over Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns CO 50 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.