US Bridges

SR 20 over Branch

Good

Colbert County, Alabama · 4.6 M E JCT SR 20 & SR157 · Structure no. 011210

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,560
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 20 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 20 over Branch in Colbert County, Alabama. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 8,560 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,529 by 2033. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 20
CrossesBranch
Location4.6 M E JCT SR 20 & SR157
RouteState Highway 20
CountyColbert County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.68351, -87.51138
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating60.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,560 (2024)
Projected traffic11,529 by 2033
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 20 over Branch built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 20 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SR 20 over Branch carry?

About 8,560 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is SR 20 over Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns SR 20 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.