US Bridges

SR 273 over Branch

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · 12 MI N JCT SR273 * SR68 · Structure no. 019816

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
846
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 273 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 273 over Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 846 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,184 by 2043. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 273
CrossesBranch
Location12 MI N JCT SR273 * SR68
RouteState Highway 273
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.31708, -85.6468
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.5 US tons
Inventory rating38.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic846 (2023)
Projected traffic1,184 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$650,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 273 over Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 273 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 2024.

How much traffic does SR 273 over Branch carry?

About 846 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 273 over Branch?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns SR 273 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.