US Bridges

SR 91 over Branch

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · 2.8 MI S JCT US 278 · Structure no. 003320

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
36 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,736
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 91 over Branch is a steel culvert carrying SR 91 over Branch in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 2,736 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,831 by 2042. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 91
CrossesBranch
Location2.8 MI S JCT US 278
RouteState Highway 91
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.14976, -86.62011
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,736 (2022)
Projected traffic3,831 by 2042
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$765,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 91 over Branch built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 91 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR 91 over Branch carry?

About 2,736 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SR 91 over Branch?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m).

Who owns SR 91 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.