US Bridges

3rd ST over Branch

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · 0.3 MI E JCT US 31 · Structure no. 008690

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
515
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

3rd ST over Branch is a masonry culvert carrying 3rd ST over Branch in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 515 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 544 by 2043. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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Carries3rd ST
CrossesBranch
Location0.3 MI E JCT US 31
RouteCity Street 0
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.00833, -86.745
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 inspectionDecember 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length23 ft (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 traffic515 (2023)
Projected traffic544 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$281,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 3rd ST over Branch built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is 3rd ST 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does 3rd ST over Branch carry?

About 515 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is 3rd ST over Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns 3rd ST over Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.