US Bridges

US 231 MP 32.996 over Prestons Mill Branch

Fair

Dale County, Alabama · 2.4 Mi. N. SR 134 · Structure no. 006631

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
18,210
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 MP 32.996 over Prestons Mill Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 231 MP 32.996 over Prestons Mill Branch in Dale 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 5 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 18,210 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,671 by 2033. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 231 MP 32.996
CrossesPrestons Mill Branch
Location2.4 Mi. N. SR 134
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyDale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.33383, -85.53883
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,210 (2013)
Projected traffic23,671 by 2033
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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$1.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231 MP 32.996 over Prestons Mill Branch built?

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

What condition is US 231 MP 32.996 over Prestons Mill 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 231 MP 32.996 over Prestons Mill Branch carry?

About 18,210 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 231 MP 32.996 over Prestons Mill Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m).

Who owns US 231 MP 32.996 over Prestons Mill Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.