US Bridges

CO RD 56 over Gleeden Branch

PoorPosted for load

Macon County, Alabama · 6.4 Mi. W. of CO RD 8 · Structure no. 005957

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
587
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 56 over Gleeden Branch is a concrete culvert carrying CO RD 56 over Gleeden Branch in Macon County, Alabama. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 587 vehicles a day, roughly 40% of them trucks, projected to reach 700 by 2036. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO RD 56
CrossesGleeden Branch
Location6.4 Mi. W. of CO RD 8
RouteCounty Highway 56
CountyMacon County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.49027, -85.81505
Functional classRural Major Collector

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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating21.7 US tons
Inventory rating13 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic587 (2016)
Projected traffic700 by 2036
Trucks40%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$504,000 (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 56 over Gleeden Branch built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 56 over Gleeden 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does CO RD 56 over Gleeden Branch carry?

About 587 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 40% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 56 over Gleeden Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD 56 over Gleeden Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.