US Bridges

CO Rt 387 over Wheeler Branch

Fair

Lawrence County, Alabama · 1.5 MI N JCT SR 20 · Structure no. 001245

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
1987 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 387 over Wheeler Branch is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO Rt 387 over Wheeler Branch in Lawrence County, Alabama. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 2036. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO Rt 387
CrossesWheeler Branch
Location1.5 MI N JCT SR 20
RouteCounty Highway 387
CountyLawrence County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.67167, -87.24333
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating67.2 US tons
Inventory rating40.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (1987)
Projected traffic200 by 2036
Trucks0%
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$251,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 387 over Wheeler Branch built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 387 over Wheeler 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does CO Rt 387 over Wheeler Branch carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (1987 count).

How long is CO Rt 387 over Wheeler Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 387 over Wheeler Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.