US Bridges

Co. Rd. 26 over Gaston Branch

PoorPosted for load

Randolph County, Alabama · .04 MI SW US 431:ROANOKE · Structure no. 004290

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
58 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
200
2025 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Rd. 26 over Gaston Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. Rd. 26 over Gaston Branch in Randolph County, Alabama. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 200 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 280 by 2045. The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 100 mi (161 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCo. Rd. 26
CrossesGaston Branch
Location.04 MI SW US 431:ROANOKE
RouteCity Street 0
CountyRandolph County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.17333, -85.39667
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating4.6 US tons
Inventory rating3.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length58 ft (17.7 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (2025)
Projected traffic280 by 2045
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed100 mi (161 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$355,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Rd. 26 over Gaston Branch built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Rd. 26 over Gaston Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in January 2024.

How much traffic does Co. Rd. 26 over Gaston Branch carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Co. Rd. 26 over Gaston Branch?

The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Co. Rd. 26 over Gaston Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.