US Bridges

US 31 over Branch

Fair

Blount County, Alabama · .6 Mi.No.Co RD 7 · Structure no. 002645

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,925
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 31 over Branch in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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 2,925 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,791 by 2044. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 31
CrossesBranch
Location.6 Mi.No.Co RD 7
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.93889, -86.78667
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.7 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 traffic2,925 (2024)
Projected traffic4,791 by 2044
Trucks9%
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$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 over Branch built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 31 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 US 31 over Branch carry?

About 2,925 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Branch?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 31 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.