US Bridges

Esslinger RD over Buck Ditch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 1.2 MI NE JCT CO RD 220 · Structure no. 001869

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
41 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
347
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Esslinger RD over Buck Ditch is a concrete slab carrying Esslinger RD over Buck Ditch 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 5 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 347 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 420 by 2035. 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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CarriesEsslinger RD
CrossesBuck Ditch
Location1.2 MI NE JCT CO RD 220
RouteCounty Highway 351
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.65907, -86.42588
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic347 (2003)
Projected traffic420 by 2035
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$319,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Esslinger RD over Buck Ditch built?

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

What condition is Esslinger RD over Buck Ditch 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Esslinger RD over Buck Ditch carry?

About 347 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Esslinger RD over Buck Ditch?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Esslinger RD over Buck Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.