US Bridges

Al - 53 (us 231) over Dry Branch

Fair

Blount County, Alabama · US 231 * Dry Branch · Structure no. 002022

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
60 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,460
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 53 (us 231) over Dry Branch is a concrete slab carrying Al - 53 (us 231) over Dry 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 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 6,460 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,397 by 2043. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 53 (us 231)
CrossesDry Branch
LocationUS 231 * Dry Branch
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.99083, -86.56611
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.8 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,460 (2023)
Projected traffic8,397 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$461,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

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

What condition is Al - 53 (us 231) over Dry 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 Al - 53 (us 231) over Dry Branch carry?

About 6,460 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

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

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.