US Bridges

Walker LA over Spelce Branch

FairPosted for load

Madison County, Alabama · 0.5 W CO RD 1324 · Structure no. 002493

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
550
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Walker LA over Spelce Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Walker LA over Spelce 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 550 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 715 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesWalker LA
CrossesSpelce Branch
Location0.5 W CO RD 1324
RouteCounty Highway 324
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.91757, -86.49564
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating37.4 US tons
Inventory rating23.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic550 (1992)
Projected traffic715 by 2042
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$281,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Walker LA over Spelce Branch built?

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

What condition is Walker LA over Spelce 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Walker LA over Spelce Branch carry?

About 550 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Walker LA over Spelce Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Walker LA over Spelce Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.