US Bridges

US 231 MP 52.331 over Branch

Fair

Dale County, Alabama · 2.9 Mi.N.Dale CO.11 · Structure no. 010154

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
35 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
12,430
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 MP 52.331 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 231 MP 52.331 over Branch in Dale County, Alabama. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 69 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 12,430 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,158 by 2033. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 231 MP 52.331
CrossesBranch
Location2.9 Mi.N.Dale CO.11
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyDale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.53946, -85.73199
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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating64.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,430 (2013)
Projected traffic16,158 by 2033
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231 MP 52.331 over Branch built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is US 231 MP 52.331 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 231 MP 52.331 over Branch carry?

About 12,430 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is US 231 MP 52.331 over Branch?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m).

Who owns US 231 MP 52.331 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.