US Bridges

Co. Rt. 71 over Branch

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · CR 71 · Structure no. 012894

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Rt. 71 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. Rt. 71 over Branch in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 64 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 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2035. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Rt. 71
CrossesBranch
LocationCR 71
RouteCounty Highway 9
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.98655, -87.04433
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (1991)
Projected traffic60 by 2035
Trucks0%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$239,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Rt. 71 over Branch built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is Co. Rt. 71 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 2024.

How much traffic does Co. Rt. 71 over Branch carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (1991 count).

How long is Co. Rt. 71 over Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Co. Rt. 71 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.