US Bridges

CO 4 over Branch

Fair

Russell County, Alabama · 4.3 MI E Rutherford · Structure no. 004280

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
300
1981 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 4 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying CO 4 over Branch in Russell 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 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.

It carries about 300 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 320 by 2030. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesCO 4
CrossesBranch
Location4.3 MI E Rutherford
RouteCounty Highway 4
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.1922, -85.25649
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.8 US tons
Inventory rating28.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic300 (1981)
Projected traffic320 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$337,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 4 over Branch built?

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

What condition is CO 4 over 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does CO 4 over Branch carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (1981 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO 4 over Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns CO 4 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.