US Bridges

Nick Fitchard RD over Kelly Spring Branch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 2.0 MI N Ala HWY 53 · Structure no. 001788

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Masonry
Length
41 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
420
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nick Fitchard RD over Kelly Spring Branch is a masonry slab carrying Nick Fitchard RD over Kelly Spring Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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.

It carries about 420 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 550 by 2034. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesNick Fitchard RD
CrossesKelly Spring Branch
Location2.0 MI N Ala HWY 53
RouteCounty Highway 61
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.81425, -86.66053
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic420 (1992)
Projected traffic550 by 2034
Trucks1%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$305,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nick Fitchard RD over Kelly Spring Branch built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nick Fitchard RD over Kelly Spring 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Nick Fitchard RD over Kelly Spring Branch carry?

About 420 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Nick Fitchard RD over Kelly Spring Branch?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Nick Fitchard RD over Kelly Spring Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.