US Bridges

FAS 03 over Branch

Good

Cherokee County, Alabama · 1 MI S JCT SR 25 · Structure no. 003237

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,200
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAS 03 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FAS 03 over Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 1,200 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2040. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesFAS 03
CrossesBranch
Location1 MI S JCT SR 25
RouteCounty Highway 29
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.08013, -85.46079
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.5 US tons
Inventory rating27.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,200 (2020)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$414,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAS 03 over Branch built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAS 03 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does FAS 03 over Branch carry?

About 1,200 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FAS 03 over Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns FAS 03 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.