US Bridges

I-20 over Small Branch

Fair

Cleburne County, Alabama · 3.4 MI E JCT Al 46 · Structure no. 010463

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
53 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
40,248
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-20 over Small Branch is a concrete culvert carrying I-20 over Small Branch in Cleburne County, Alabama. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 5 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 40,248 vehicles a day, roughly 44% of them trucks, projected to reach 56,347 by 2042. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesI-20
CrossesSmall Branch
Location3.4 MI E JCT Al 46
RouteInterstate 20
CountyCleburne County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.64402, -85.44442
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40,248 (2022)
Projected traffic56,347 by 2042
Trucks44%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$4.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-20 over Small Branch built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-20 over Small 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does I-20 over Small Branch carry?

About 40,248 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 44% are trucks.

How long is I-20 over Small Branch?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.1 m).

Who owns I-20 over Small Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.