US Bridges

County Rt #223 over Wells Branch

FairPosted for load

Pickens County, Alabama · 2.9 MI E of CO Rt 63 · Structure no. 015249

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
1998 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Rt #223 over Wells Branch is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Rt #223 over Wells Branch in Pickens 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 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2034. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Rt #223
CrossesWells Branch
Location2.9 MI E of CO Rt 63
RouteCounty Highway 223
CountyPickens County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.24667, -87.84134
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating13.9 US tons
Inventory rating9.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (1998)
Projected traffic100 by 2034
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$370,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Rt #223 over Wells Branch built?

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

What condition is County Rt #223 over Wells 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does County Rt #223 over Wells Branch carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1998 count).

How long is County Rt #223 over Wells Branch?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Rt #223 over Wells Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.