US Bridges

SR4/US78 over Branch

Fair

Calhoun County, Alabama · 1.1 MI E JCT SR 21 · Structure no. 016038

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
50 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
23,292
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 1997, so it is 28 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 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 23,292 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,608 by 2042. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR4/US78
CrossesBranch
Location1.1 MI E JCT SR 21
RouteU.S. Route 78
CountyCalhoun County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.61492, -85.80908
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 inspectionJuly 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.9 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,292 (2022)
Projected traffic32,608 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR4/US78 over Branch built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does SR4/US78 over Branch carry?

About 23,292 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR4/US78 over Branch?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns SR4/US78 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.