US Bridges

Al - 53 (us 231) over Branch

Fair

Blount County, Alabama · 1.5 MI So JCT ST Rt 160 · Structure no. 002021

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,460
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 53 (us 231) over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Al - 53 (us 231) over Branch in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 6,460 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,397 by 2044. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 53 (us 231)
CrossesBranch
Location1.5 MI So JCT ST Rt 160
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.99, -86.56667
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 inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating79 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10.1 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 traffic6,460 (2024)
Projected traffic8,397 by 2044
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$513,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 53 (us 231) over Branch built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 53 (us 231) 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Al - 53 (us 231) over Branch carry?

About 6,460 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Al - 53 (us 231) over Branch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Al - 53 (us 231) over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.