US Bridges

SR4/US78 over Branch

Good

Calhoun County, Alabama · 2.5 MI W JCT I-20 · Structure no. 000573

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
9,703
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR4/US78 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR4/US78 over Branch in Calhoun County, Alabama. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 9,703 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,584 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR4/US78
CrossesBranch
Location2.5 MI W JCT I-20
RouteU.S. Route 78
CountyCalhoun County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.61883, -85.75833
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.6 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.3 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 traffic9,703 (2022)
Projected traffic13,584 by 2042
Trucks8%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$263,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR4/US78 over Branch built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR4/US78 over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does SR4/US78 over Branch carry?

About 9,703 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR4/US78 over Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR4/US78 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.