US Bridges

Iron Mtn. Rd. over Branch

Fair

Calhoun County, Alabama · 2.478 MI NE Al HWY 21 · Structure no. 020439

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
37 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2024 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Iron Mtn. Rd. over Branch is a steel culvert carrying Iron Mtn. Rd. over Branch in Calhoun County, Alabama. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 70 by 2044. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesIron Mtn. Rd.
CrossesBranch
Location2.478 MI NE Al HWY 21
RouteCity Street 0
CountyCalhoun County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.71362, -85.77352
Functional classUrban Local

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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating95.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2024)
Projected traffic70 by 2044
Trucks0%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$481,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Iron Mtn. Rd. over Branch built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is Iron Mtn. 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Iron Mtn. Rd. over Branch carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is Iron Mtn. Rd. over Branch?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Iron Mtn. Rd. over Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.