US Bridges

SR 157 over Branch

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · 6.5 MI N JCT I 65 · Structure no. 006396

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
36 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,760
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 157 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 157 over Branch in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 13,760 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,264 by 2042. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 157
CrossesBranch
Location6.5 MI N JCT I 65
RouteState Highway 157
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.25667, -86.98
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 inspectionOctober 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,760 (2022)
Projected traffic19,264 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$4.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 157 over Branch built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 157 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does SR 157 over Branch carry?

About 13,760 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SR 157 over Branch?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m).

Who owns SR 157 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.