US Bridges

SR 26 over King Branch

Poor

Russell County, Alabama · 0.8 MI W of Hatchechubbe · Structure no. 000353

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,490
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 26 over King Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 26 over King Branch in Russell County, Alabama. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 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.

It carries about 1,490 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,818 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 26
CrossesKing Branch
Location0.8 MI W of Hatchechubbe
RouteState Highway 26
CountyRussell County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.27164, -85.28753
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80.4 US tons
Inventory rating48.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,490 (2013)
Projected traffic1,818 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$429,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 26 over King Branch built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 26 over King 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does SR 26 over King Branch carry?

About 1,490 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SR 26 over King Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR 26 over King Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.