US Bridges

CO 4 over Branch

Good

Russell County, Alabama · 3 MI E Rutherford · Structure no. 014998

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
3 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 and reconstructed in 1990, 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 300 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 325 by 2030. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

CarriesCO 4
CrossesBranch
Location3 MI E Rutherford
RouteCounty Highway 4
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.19226, -85.27467
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.7 US tons
Inventory rating46.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (1981)
Projected traffic325 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$438,000 (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. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is CO 4 over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. 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 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns CO 4 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.