US Bridges

Buddy Williamson over Swamp Branch Creek

FairPosted for load

Madison County, Alabama · 0.25 Mi. West of Butler · Structure no. 020702

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2012 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Buddy Williamson over Swamp Branch Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Buddy Williamson over Swamp Branch Creek 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 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 2035. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBuddy Williamson
CrossesSwamp Branch Creek
Location0.25 Mi. West of Butler
RouteCounty Highway 487
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.96147, -86.48849
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating14.6 US tons
Inventory rating8.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2012)
Projected traffic200 by 2035
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$223,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Buddy Williamson over Swamp Branch Creek built?

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

What condition is Buddy Williamson over Swamp Branch Creek 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Buddy Williamson over Swamp Branch Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2012 count).

How long is Buddy Williamson over Swamp Branch Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Buddy Williamson over Swamp Branch Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.