US Bridges

I65 over Branch

Fair

Blount County, Alabama · I65 at US 31 · Structure no. 006447

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
39,845
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I65 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying I65 over Branch in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 39,845 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 79,288 by 2044. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI65
CrossesBranch
LocationI65 at US 31
RouteInterstate 65
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.88833, -86.84917
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 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 traffic39,845 (2024)
Projected traffic79,288 by 2044
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$3.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I65 over Branch built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is I65 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does I65 over Branch carry?

About 39,845 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is I65 over Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I65 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.