US Bridges

CO Rt 87 over Rocky Branch

Fair

Lawrence County, Alabama · 1.2 MI E JCT SR 157 · Structure no. 000505

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,129
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 87 over Rocky Branch is a concrete culvert carrying CO Rt 87 over Rocky Branch in Lawrence County, Alabama. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 6 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 1,129 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,250 by 2034. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO Rt 87
CrossesRocky Branch
Location1.2 MI E JCT SR 157
RouteCounty Highway 87
CountyLawrence County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.474, -87.24734
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating75.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,129 (1992)
Projected traffic1,250 by 2034
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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$256,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 87 over Rocky Branch built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 87 over Rocky 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does CO Rt 87 over Rocky Branch carry?

About 1,129 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is CO Rt 87 over Rocky Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 87 over Rocky Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.