US Bridges

I65 over Branch

Fair

Blount County, Alabama · 0.4 MI S CO RD 5 · Structure no. 006448

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
44,547
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 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 44,547 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 88,645 by 2044. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI65
CrossesBranch
Location0.4 MI S CO RD 5
RouteInterstate 65
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.90611, -86.86333
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal 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 spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length42 ft (12.8 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 traffic44,547 (2024)
Projected traffic88,645 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3.4 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 44,547 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is I65 over Branch?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I65 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.