US Bridges

CO 4 over Branch

PoorPosted for load

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 1.1 MI W Int CO 15 · Structure no. 003008

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
65
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 4 over Branch is a concrete slab carrying CO 4 over 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 65 vehicles a day, projected to reach 130 by 2031. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO 4
CrossesBranch
Location1.1 MI W Int CO 15
RouteCounty Highway 4
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.80097, -87.81944
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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
Deck geometry5: 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating9 US tons
Inventory rating8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic65 (1989)
Projected traffic130 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
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$250,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 4 over Branch built?

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

What condition is CO 4 over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does CO 4 over Branch carry?

About 65 vehicles per day (1989 count).

How long is CO 4 over Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns CO 4 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.