US Bridges

SR 68 over Branch

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.5 MI W JCT SR 68 * 35 · Structure no. 007202

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,534
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 68 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 68 over Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1962, so it is 87 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 3,534 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,948 by 2042. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 68
CrossesBranch
Location0.5 MI W JCT SR 68 * 35
RouteState Highway 68
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.26302, -85.56944
Functional classRural 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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating94.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 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 traffic3,534 (2022)
Projected traffic4,948 by 2042
Trucks6%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$640,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 68 over Branch built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is SR 68 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does SR 68 over Branch carry?

About 3,534 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR 68 over Branch?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR 68 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.