US Bridges

I-65 over Blacks Branch

Fair

Conecuh County, Alabama · 2 MI S Butler CO Line · Structure no. 006807

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
37 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
27,617
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-65 over Blacks Branch is a concrete culvert carrying I-65 over Blacks Branch in Conecuh 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 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 27,617 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 41,425 by 2043. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.3 mi (60 km).

Location

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CarriesI-65
CrossesBlacks Branch
Location2 MI S Butler CO Line
RouteInterstate 65
CountyConecuh County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.53772, -86.89074
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating97 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length37 ft (11.3 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 traffic27,617 (2023)
Projected traffic41,425 by 2043
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed37.3 mi (60 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-65 over Blacks Branch built?

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

What condition is I-65 over Blacks 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does I-65 over Blacks Branch carry?

About 27,617 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is I-65 over Blacks Branch?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I-65 over Blacks Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.