US Bridges

Washington ST NW over Dry Branch

Fair

Morgan County, Alabama · JCT Washington *drybranch · Structure no. 011901

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
77 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
16,187
2009 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Washington ST NW over Dry Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Washington ST NW over Dry Branch in Morgan County, Alabama. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1978, so it is 90 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.

It carries about 16,187 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,180 by 2030. The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWashington ST NW
CrossesDry Branch
LocationJCT Washington *drybranch
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMorgan County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.6138, -86.9952
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating72.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length77 ft (23.5 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,187 (2009)
Projected traffic19,180 by 2030
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Washington ST NW over Dry Branch built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is Washington ST NW over Dry 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Washington ST NW over Dry Branch carry?

About 16,187 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Washington ST NW over Dry Branch?

The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns Washington ST NW over Dry Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.