US Bridges

Ripley Road over Sims Branch

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · 2 Miles N HWY 78 · Structure no. 006884

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,200
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ripley Road over Sims Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ripley Road over Sims Branch in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 1,200 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,300 by 2030. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRipley Road
CrossesSims Branch
Location2 Miles N HWY 78
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.88942, -87.44476
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,200 (1991)
Projected traffic2,300 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$190,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ripley Road over Sims Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ripley Road over Sims 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Ripley Road over Sims Branch carry?

About 1,200 vehicles per day (1991 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ripley Road over Sims Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Ripley Road over Sims Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.