US Bridges

Macon LA over Rice Branch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 0.6 MI No CO RD 451 · Structure no. 002081

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
320
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Macon LA over Rice Branch is a concrete slab carrying Macon LA over Rice Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 320 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2035. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesMacon LA
CrossesRice Branch
Location0.6 MI No CO RD 451
RouteCounty Highway 450
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.87092, -86.50003
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
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.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic320 (1992)
Projected traffic400 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$457,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Macon LA over Rice Branch built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is Macon LA over Rice 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 Macon LA over Rice Branch carry?

About 320 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Macon LA over Rice Branch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Macon LA over Rice Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.