US Bridges

Al - 53 (us 231) over Branch

FairPosted for load

Blount County, Alabama · 3.3 MI No ST Clair CO LN · Structure no. 002844

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
52 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,970
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 53 (us 231) over Branch is a concrete slab carrying Al - 53 (us 231) over Branch in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1945, so it is 80 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 4,970 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,460 by 2044. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 53 (us 231)
CrossesBranch
Location3.3 MI No ST Clair CO LN
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.93944, -86.39361
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating31.4 US tons
Inventory rating18.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,970 (2024)
Projected traffic6,460 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$495,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1945, making it 80 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 June 2024.

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

About 4,970 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

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

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.