US Bridges

SR 69 over Branch

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · 4.2 MI N JCT SR 91 · Structure no. 003481

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
30 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,371
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 69 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 69 over Branch in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 4,371 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,119 by 2042. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 69
CrossesBranch
Location4.2 MI N JCT SR 91
RouteState Highway 69
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.97997, -86.97794
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
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 rating61.5 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9.1 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 traffic4,371 (2022)
Projected traffic6,119 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$443,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 69 over Branch built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 69 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does SR 69 over Branch carry?

About 4,371 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 69 over Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR 69 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.