US Bridges

I65 over Branch

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · 3.7 MI S JCT US 278 · Structure no. 006817

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50,407
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I65 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying I65 over Branch in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 50,407 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 70,570 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI65
CrossesBranch
Location3.7 MI S JCT US 278
RouteInterstate 65
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.115, -86.86667
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating45.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50,407 (2022)
Projected traffic70,570 by 2042
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I65 over Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is I65 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does I65 over Branch carry?

About 50,407 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is I65 over Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns I65 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.