US Bridges

Friendship Rd. over Branch

Fair

Calhoun County, Alabama · 1.9 MI E Al 21 · Structure no. 007924

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
12,000
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Friendship Rd. over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Friendship Rd. over Branch in Calhoun County, Alabama. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 12,000 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,000 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFriendship Rd.
CrossesBranch
Location1.9 MI E Al 21
RouteCity Street 0
CountyCalhoun County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.59333, -85.815
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.4 US tons
Inventory rating39.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 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 traffic12,000 (2023)
Projected traffic18,000 by 2043
Trucks10%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$421,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Friendship Rd. over Branch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is Friendship Rd. 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Friendship Rd. over Branch carry?

About 12,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Friendship Rd. over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Friendship Rd. over Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.