US Bridges

Zehner RD over Branch

FairPosted for load

Limestone County, Alabama · SEC33 T3S R5W · Structure no. 004368

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
450
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Zehner RD over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Zehner RD over Branch in Limestone County, Alabama. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 450 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 668 by 2034. The structure is 26 ft (7.8 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesZehner RD
CrossesBranch
LocationSEC33 T3S R5W
RouteCounty Highway 41
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.74319, -87.07231
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating14.6 US tons
Inventory rating8.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.8 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic450 (2014)
Projected traffic668 by 2034
Trucks2%
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$227,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Zehner RD over Branch built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Zehner RD over 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Zehner RD over Branch carry?

About 450 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Zehner RD over Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.8 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Zehner RD over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.