US Bridges

CO RD 9 over Walker Branch

PoorPosted for load

Macon County, Alabama · 2.3 MI East of SR229 · Structure no. 008263

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
156 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
268
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 9 over Walker Branch is a concrete culvert carrying CO RD 9 over Walker Branch in Macon County, Alabama. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 268 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 320 by 2036. The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO RD 9
CrossesWalker Branch
Location2.3 MI East of SR229
RouteCounty Highway 9
CountyMacon County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.44705, -85.86952
Functional classRural Local

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 inspectionJanuary 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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating10 US tons
Inventory rating7.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length156 ft (47.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.7 m)
Roadway width55 ft (16.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic268 (2016)
Projected traffic320 by 2036
Trucks5%
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$2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 9 over Walker Branch built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 9 over Walker 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does CO RD 9 over Walker Branch carry?

About 268 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 9 over Walker Branch?

The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD 9 over Walker Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.