US Bridges

US 31 over Bear Branch

Fair

Conecuh County, Alabama · 2.0 MI S CO RD 6 · Structure no. 014498

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
59 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,569
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over Bear Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 31 over Bear Branch in Conecuh County, Alabama. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger 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 3,569 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,354 by 2043. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

CarriesUS 31
CrossesBear Branch
Location2.0 MI S CO RD 6
RouteU.S. Route 31
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.27249, -87.02859
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating81.1 US tons
Inventory rating48.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,569 (2023)
Projected traffic5,354 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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$1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 over Bear Branch built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 31 over Bear 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 2025.

How much traffic does US 31 over Bear Branch carry?

About 3,569 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Bear Branch?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 31 over Bear Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.