US Bridges

SR4/US78 over Branch

Fair

Calhoun County, Alabama · .1 MI East JCT Old SR 202 · Structure no. 004275

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
86 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
4,777
2023 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 1952, so it is 73 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 4,777 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,688 by 2043. The structure is 86 ft (26.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR4/US78
CrossesBranch
Location.1 MI East JCT Old SR 202
RouteU.S. Route 78
CountyCalhoun County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.6032, -85.9935
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length86 ft (26.3 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,777 (2023)
Projected traffic6,688 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
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$1.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR4/US78 over Branch built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR4/US78 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR4/US78 over Branch carry?

About 4,777 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR4/US78 over Branch?

The structure is 86 ft (26.3 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns SR4/US78 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.