US Bridges

Bob Wade LA over Wade Branch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 1.7 MI E JCT US HWY 231 · Structure no. 004371

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
950
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bob Wade LA over Wade Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Bob Wade LA over Wade Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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.

It carries about 950 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,205 by 2040. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesBob Wade LA
CrossesWade Branch
Location1.7 MI E JCT US HWY 231
RouteCounty Highway 42
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.82939, -86.59917
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating80.4 US tons
Inventory rating48.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic950 (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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$279,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bob Wade LA over Wade Branch built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

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

About 950 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Bob Wade LA over Wade Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Bob Wade LA over Wade Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.