US Bridges

Butler RD over Swamp Branch

FairPosted for load

Madison County, Alabama · 0.5 MI So JCT CO RD 487 · Structure no. 001142

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,138
2002 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Butler RD over Swamp Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Butler RD over Swamp Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 5 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 1,138 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,365 by 2034. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesButler RD
CrossesSwamp Branch
Location0.5 MI So JCT CO RD 487
RouteCounty Highway 257
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.95275, -86.48235
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating21.9 US tons
Inventory rating9.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,138 (2002)
Projected traffic1,365 by 2034
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$267,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Butler RD over Swamp Branch built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is Butler RD over Swamp 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Butler RD over Swamp Branch carry?

About 1,138 vehicles per day (2002 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Butler RD over Swamp Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Butler RD over Swamp Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.