US Bridges

Sam Thomas RD over Davis Branch

Good

Madison County, Alabama · 0.2 MI S JCT FAS 03 · Structure no. 002083

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
220
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sam Thomas RD over Davis Branch is a concrete slab carrying Sam Thomas RD over Davis 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 220 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2035. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSam Thomas RD
CrossesDavis Branch
Location0.2 MI S JCT FAS 03
RouteCounty Highway 489
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.80476, -86.77166
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 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 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 length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic220 (1992)
Projected traffic300 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$208,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sam Thomas RD over Davis Branch built?

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

What condition is Sam Thomas RD over Davis Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does Sam Thomas RD over Davis Branch carry?

About 220 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Sam Thomas RD over Davis Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Sam Thomas RD over Davis Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.