US Bridges

Al - 53 (us 231) over Branch

Fair

Blount County, Alabama · .2 MI So Roosa City Limit · Structure no. 013102

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,270
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 53 (us 231) over Branch is a steel culvert carrying Al - 53 (us 231) over Branch in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 85 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 6,270 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,150 by 2044. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesAl - 53 (us 231)
CrossesBranch
Location.2 MI So Roosa City Limit
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.97222, -86.49444
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,270 (2024)
Projected traffic8,150 by 2044
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure3
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

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 November 2024.

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

About 6,270 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

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

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.