US Bridges

CO 137 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 0.6 MI N CO 14 · Structure no. 001824

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
125
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 137 over Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying CO 137 over Branch in Lauderdale County, Alabama. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 125 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 250 by 2030. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO 137
CrossesBranch
Location0.6 MI N CO 14
RouteCounty Highway 137
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.84269, -87.78075
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating20 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic125 (1989)
Projected traffic250 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$234,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 137 over Branch built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO 137 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does CO 137 over Branch carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO 137 over Branch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns CO 137 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.