US Bridges

Willow Lane over Branch

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · .1 MI E US 78 Carbon Hill · Structure no. 011636

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,500
2024 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Willow Lane over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Willow Lane over Branch in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 years old, younger 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 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,027 by 2044. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWillow Lane
CrossesBranch
Location.1 MI E US 78 Carbon Hill
RouteCity Street 0
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.88259, -87.51671
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating69.1 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2024)
Projected traffic2,027 by 2044
Trucks2%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$287,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Willow Lane over Branch built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is Willow Lane 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Willow Lane over Branch carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Willow Lane over Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Willow Lane over Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.