US Bridges

Hamer RD over Piney Woods Branch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 0.4 MI E JCT US HWY 431 · Structure no. 002472

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
300
1992 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Hamer RD over Piney Woods Branch is a masonry culvert carrying Hamer RD over Piney Woods Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 300 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 315 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHamer RD
CrossesPiney Woods Branch
Location0.4 MI E JCT US HWY 431
RouteCounty Highway 194
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.58014, -86.44457
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 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 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (1992)
Projected traffic315 by 2040
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$288,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Hamer RD over Piney Woods Branch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Hamer RD over Piney Woods 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Hamer RD over Piney Woods Branch carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Hamer RD over Piney Woods Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Hamer RD over Piney Woods Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.