US Bridges

Orville Smith RD over Smith Branch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 0.5 MI E JCT CO RD 011 · Structure no. 002621

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
35 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
220
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Orville Smith RD over Smith Branch is a masonry culvert carrying Orville Smith RD over Smith 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 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 220 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 305 by 2040. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesOrville Smith RD
CrossesSmith Branch
Location0.5 MI E JCT CO RD 011
RouteCounty Highway 337
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.81586, -86.76167
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic220 (1992)
Projected traffic305 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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$244,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Orville Smith RD over Smith Branch built?

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

What condition is Orville Smith RD over Smith 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 Orville Smith RD over Smith Branch carry?

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

How long is Orville Smith RD over Smith Branch?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Orville Smith RD over Smith Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.