US Bridges

CO RD No 16 over Birch Branch

Fair

Washington County, Alabama · 1/2 MI West Mcintosh · Structure no. 007671

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
51 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,082
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD No 16 over Birch Branch is a concrete culvert carrying CO RD No 16 over Birch Branch in Washington County, Alabama. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 1,082 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2031. The structure is 51 ft (15.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 36 mi (58 km).

Location

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CarriesCO RD No 16
CrossesBirch Branch
Location1/2 MI West Mcintosh
RouteCounty Highway 16
CountyWashington County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.27028, -88.03667
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.5 US tons
Inventory rating31.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length51 ft (15.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,082 (1992)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2031
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed36 mi (58 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$399,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD No 16 over Birch Branch built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD No 16 over Birch 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 CO RD No 16 over Birch Branch carry?

About 1,082 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO RD No 16 over Birch Branch?

The structure is 51 ft (15.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns CO RD No 16 over Birch Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.