US Bridges

SR 9 over Willis Branch

Good

Calhoun County, Alabama · 5.3 MI N JCT US 78 · Structure no. 005155

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,475
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 9 over Willis Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 9 over Willis Branch in Calhoun County, Alabama. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 3,475 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,865 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 9
CrossesWillis Branch
Location5.3 MI N JCT US 78
RouteState Highway 9
CountyCalhoun County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.70903, -85.67308
Functional classRural 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 inspectionAugust 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 rating52.7 US tons
Inventory rating31.6 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 traffic3,475 (2022)
Projected traffic4,865 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$244,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 9 over Willis Branch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 9 over Willis 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR 9 over Willis Branch carry?

About 3,475 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SR 9 over Willis Branch?

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

Who owns SR 9 over Willis Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.