US Bridges

CO Rt 1 over Lester Branch

FairPosted for load

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 2 MI S Tenn Line · Structure no. 003005

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
73
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 1 over Lester Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO Rt 1 over Lester Branch in Lauderdale County, Alabama. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 73 vehicles a day, projected to reach 146 by 2032. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO Rt 1
CrossesLester Branch
Location2 MI S Tenn Line
RouteCounty Highway 1
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.97451, -87.99396
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating28.9 US tons
Inventory rating16.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic73 (1989)
Projected traffic146 by 2032
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$250,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 1 over Lester Branch built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 1 over Lester 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does CO Rt 1 over Lester Branch carry?

About 73 vehicles per day (1989 count).

How long is CO Rt 1 over Lester Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 1 over Lester Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.