US Bridges

County Road over Branch

FairPosted for load

Monroe County, Alabama · 4 Mi. N. W. Bermuda · Structure no. 003986

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
75
1993 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road over Branch is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road over Branch in Monroe County, Alabama. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 75 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 125 by 2033. The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road
CrossesBranch
Location4 Mi. N. W. Bermuda
RouteCounty Highway 3
CountyMonroe County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.50385, -87.23587
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating39.9 US tons
Inventory rating29.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75 (1993)
Projected traffic125 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$176,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road over Branch built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road over 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 County Road over Branch carry?

About 75 vehicles per day (1993 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is County Road over Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Road over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.