US Bridges

US 43 over Branch

Good

Clarke County, Alabama · 2.7 Mi. S. of Thomasville · Structure no. 012551

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,520
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 43 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 43 over Branch in Clarke County, Alabama. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 8,520 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,945 by 2033. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

CarriesUS 43
CrossesBranch
Location2.7 Mi. S. of Thomasville
RouteU.S. Route 43
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.81667, -87.75167
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 inspectionJuly 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 spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,520 (2013)
Projected traffic10,945 by 2033
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 43 over Branch built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 43 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 43 over Branch carry?

About 8,520 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 43 over Branch?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.3 m).

Who owns US 43 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.