US Bridges

Smilies Ferry Rd. over Branch

Good

Montgomery County, Alabama · 9.0 MI N Meriwether Trail · Structure no. 015104

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
48 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
115
1988 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Smilies Ferry Rd. over Branch is a concrete channel beam carrying Smilies Ferry Rd. over Branch in Montgomery County, Alabama. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 115 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 125 by 2043. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSmilies Ferry Rd.
CrossesBranch
Location9.0 MI N Meriwether Trail
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMontgomery County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.0912, -86.28152
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating76.3 US tons
Inventory rating45.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic115 (1988)
Projected traffic125 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$419,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Smilies Ferry Rd. over Branch built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is Smilies Ferry Rd. over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does Smilies Ferry Rd. over Branch carry?

About 115 vehicles per day (1988 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Smilies Ferry Rd. over Branch?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Smilies Ferry Rd. over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.