US Bridges

Cordova Gorgas RD over Branch

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · 1 Mile NW Copeland Bridge · Structure no. 002255

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
36 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
300
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cordova Gorgas RD over Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying Cordova Gorgas RD over Branch in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 300 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 420 by 2032. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesCordova Gorgas RD
CrossesBranch
Location1 Mile NW Copeland Bridge
RouteCounty Highway 61
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.66667, -87.16667
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMarch 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (1991)
Projected traffic420 by 2032
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$281,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cordova Gorgas RD over Branch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cordova Gorgas RD 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Cordova Gorgas RD over Branch carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (1991 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Cordova Gorgas RD over Branch?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Cordova Gorgas RD over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.