US Bridges

Bob Stiles RD over Molder Branch

PoorPosted for load

Madison County, Alabama · 2.2 MI NE Hurricanechapel · Structure no. 001873

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
60
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bob Stiles RD over Molder Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bob Stiles RD over Molder 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 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 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 80 by 2034. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBob Stiles RD
CrossesMolder Branch
Location2.2 MI NE Hurricanechapel
RouteCounty Highway 415
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.81006, -86.36614
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
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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating3 US tons
Inventory rating2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.9 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (1992)
Projected traffic80 by 2034
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$217,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bob Stiles RD over Molder Branch built?

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

What condition is Bob Stiles RD over Molder 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Bob Stiles RD over Molder Branch carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (1992 count).

How long is Bob Stiles RD over Molder Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Bob Stiles RD over Molder Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.