US Bridges

617 over Branch

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · CR 617 · Structure no. 002956

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

617 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 617 over Branch in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2035. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries617
CrossesBranch
LocationCR 617
RouteCounty Highway 63
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.08877, -86.7695
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating73.7 US tons
Inventory rating44.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (1991)
Projected traffic35 by 2035
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$332,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 617 over Branch built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is 617 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does 617 over Branch carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (1991 count).

How long is 617 over Branch?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns 617 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.