US Bridges

Sanders Lane over Yellow Branch

Fair

Blount County, Alabama · 2.5 MI N of Taits Gap · Structure no. 015484

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
217
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sanders Lane over Yellow Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Sanders Lane over Yellow Branch in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 years old, younger 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 217 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 323 by 2044. The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSanders Lane
CrossesYellow Branch
Location2.5 MI N of Taits Gap
RouteCounty Highway 271
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.00356, -86.39336
Functional classRural Local

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 inspectionDecember 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic217 (2024)
Projected traffic323 by 2044
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$351,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sanders Lane over Yellow Branch built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sanders Lane over Yellow 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Sanders Lane over Yellow Branch carry?

About 217 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Sanders Lane over Yellow Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Sanders Lane over Yellow Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.