US Bridges

US 231 over Branch

Fair

Blount County, Alabama · 0.1 MI No JCT CO RD55 · Structure no. 002025

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,170
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 231 over Branch in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1986, 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 4,170 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,421 by 2044. The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 231
CrossesBranch
Location0.1 MI No JCT CO RD55
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.10241, -86.57174
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating69 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (6.9 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 traffic4,170 (2024)
Projected traffic5,421 by 2044
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$594,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231 over Branch built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 231 over Branch carry?

About 4,170 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 231 over Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 231 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.