US Bridges

US 278 over Branch

Good

Cherokee County, Alabama · 11 MI E JCT SR 9 * 74 · Structure no. 001279

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
56 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,934
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 278 over Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 1,934 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,708 by 2041. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 278
CrossesBranch
Location11 MI E JCT SR 9 * 74
RouteU.S. Route 278
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.97, -85.45333
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 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 rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length56 ft (17.1 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,934 (2021)
Projected traffic2,708 by 2041
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$1.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Branch built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 over 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US 278 over Branch carry?

About 1,934 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Branch?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US 278 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.