US Bridges

703 over Branch

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · CR 703 E · Structure no. 004617

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
600
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

703 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying 703 over Branch in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 600 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 825 by 2036. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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Carries703
CrossesBranch
LocationCR 703 E
RouteCounty Highway 38
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.14016, -86.73374
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.5 US tons
Inventory rating30.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 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 traffic600 (1991)
Projected traffic825 by 2036
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$231,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 703 over Branch built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is 703 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 703 over Branch carry?

About 600 vehicles per day (1991 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is 703 over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns 703 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.