US Bridges

AL-18 over Horns Branch

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · 1 MI W JCT Al 69 · Structure no. 000974

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,130
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-18 over Horns Branch is a concrete culvert carrying AL-18 over Horns Branch in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 1,130 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,379 by 2041. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-18
CrossesHorns Branch
Location1 MI W JCT Al 69
RouteState Highway 18
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.6979, -87.4345
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
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 traffic1,130 (2020)
Projected traffic1,379 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$306,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-18 over Horns Branch built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-18 over Horns 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does AL-18 over Horns Branch carry?

About 1,130 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is AL-18 over Horns Branch?

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

Who owns AL-18 over Horns Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.