US Bridges

AL-124 over Downey Branch

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · 2.1 MI E US 78 · Structure no. 000244

Built
1924
101 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
435
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-124 over Downey Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying AL-124 over Downey Branch in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1924, so it is 101 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 5 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 435 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 370 by 2041. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-124
CrossesDowney Branch
Location2.1 MI E US 78
RouteState Highway 124
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.85351, -87.44824
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating70.5 US tons
Inventory rating42.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic435 (2020)
Projected traffic370 by 2041
Trucks17%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$323,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-124 over Downey Branch built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-124 over Downey 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does AL-124 over Downey Branch carry?

About 435 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is AL-124 over Downey Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns AL-124 over Downey Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.