US Bridges

Palmer Road over Palmer Branch

FairPosted for load

Madison County, Alabama · 0.8 MI W Sullivan St. · Structure no. 002496

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
60 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
950
1992 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Palmer Road over Palmer Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying Palmer Road over Palmer 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 950 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,368 by 2035. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPalmer Road
CrossesPalmer Branch
Location0.8 MI W Sullivan St.
RouteCity Street 1382
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.69167, -86.76667
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.8 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic950 (1992)
Projected traffic1,368 by 2035
Trucks20%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$499,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Palmer Road over Palmer Branch built?

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

What condition is Palmer Road over Palmer 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Palmer Road over Palmer Branch carry?

About 950 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Palmer Road over Palmer Branch?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Palmer Road over Palmer Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.