US Bridges

Matthews RD over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · North of VB023 · Structure no. DAPAMCRED0VB027

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
37 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,950
2016 count
Owner
Federal
Army

About this bridge

Matthews RD over Drainage Ditch is a steel culvert carrying Matthews RD over Drainage Ditch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 years old, younger 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 3,950 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,850 by 2046. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesMatthews RD
CrossesDrainage Ditch
LocationNorth of VB023
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.59638, -86.58591
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating107.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,950 (2016)
Projected traffic3,850 by 2046
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerArmy
Maintained byArmy
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$2,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Matthews RD over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is Matthews RD over Drainage Ditch 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Matthews RD over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 3,950 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Matthews RD over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Matthews RD over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the Army.