US Bridges

Bob Wade LA over Devils Branch

FairPosted for load

Madison County, Alabama · 0.3 MI W JCT US HWY 231 · Structure no. 002573

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
750
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bob Wade LA over Devils Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bob Wade LA over Devils Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 750 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,205 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBob Wade LA
CrossesDevils Branch
Location0.3 MI W JCT US HWY 231
RouteCounty Highway 42
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.82934, -86.5758
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating44.4 US tons
Inventory rating27.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic750 (1992)
Projected traffic1,205 by 2040
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$308,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bob Wade LA over Devils Branch built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bob Wade LA over Devils 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 Bob Wade LA over Devils Branch carry?

About 750 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Bob Wade LA over Devils Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Bob Wade LA over Devils Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.