US Bridges

CO 86 over Belue Branch

Fair

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 1 MI N CO 92 · Structure no. 001636

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
60 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
140
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 86 over Belue Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying CO 86 over Belue 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.

It carries about 140 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 280 by 2028. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO 86
CrossesBelue Branch
Location1 MI N CO 92
RouteCounty Highway 86
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.87468, -87.26003
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.
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 inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic140 (1989)
Projected traffic280 by 2028
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$441,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 86 over Belue Branch built?

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

What condition is CO 86 over Belue 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does CO 86 over Belue Branch carry?

About 140 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO 86 over Belue Branch?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns CO 86 over Belue Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.