US Bridges

SR21 / US231 over Branch

Fair

Coosa County, Alabama · 3.5 MI N Hanover · Structure no. 001962

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,581
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR21 / US231 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR21 / US231 over Branch in Coosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 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 3,581 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,013 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesSR21 / US231
CrossesBranch
Location3.5 MI N Hanover
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyCoosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.05133, -86.23733
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 inspectionApril 2024
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating91.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.3 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 traffic3,581 (2022)
Projected traffic5,013 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$450,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR21 / US231 over Branch built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR21 / US231 over 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does SR21 / US231 over Branch carry?

About 3,581 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR21 / US231 over Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR21 / US231 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.