US Bridges

CO Rt 32 over Wheeler Branch

Fair

Lawrence County, Alabama · 3 MI E JCT CO Rt 389 · Structure no. 009361

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
20 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
90
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 32 over Wheeler Branch is a concrete culvert carrying CO Rt 32 over Wheeler Branch in Lawrence County, Alabama. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 90 vehicles a day, projected to reach 175 by 2036. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO Rt 32
CrossesWheeler Branch
Location3 MI E JCT CO Rt 389
RouteCounty Highway 388
CountyLawrence County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.68667, -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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating71 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic90 (1989)
Projected traffic175 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$278,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 32 over Wheeler Branch built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 32 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does CO Rt 32 over Wheeler Branch carry?

About 90 vehicles per day (1989 count).

How long is CO Rt 32 over Wheeler Branch?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 32 over Wheeler Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.