US Bridges

Bufford RD over Big Branch

Fair

Macon County, Alabama · 1.31 Miles North SR8/US80 · Structure no. 014814

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
52
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bufford RD over Big Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Bufford RD over Big Branch in Macon County, Alabama. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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 52 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2035. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBufford RD
CrossesBig Branch
Location1.31 Miles North SR8/US80
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMacon County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.47036, -85.54218
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 rating73.3 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic52 (2015)
Projected traffic75 by 2035
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$488,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bufford RD over Big Branch built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bufford RD over Big 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Bufford RD over Big Branch carry?

About 52 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Bufford RD over Big Branch?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Bufford RD over Big Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.