US Bridges

SR 117 over Branch

Fair

DeKalb County, Alabama · 1.6 MI SE JCT I-59 · Structure no. 000428

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,503
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 117 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 117 over Branch in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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 3,503 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,904 by 2041. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 117
CrossesBranch
Location1.6 MI SE JCT I-59
RouteState Highway 117
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.57844, -85.6271
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.8 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic3,503 (2021)
Projected traffic4,904 by 2041
Trucks7%
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

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$224,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 117 over Branch built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 117 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SR 117 over Branch carry?

About 3,503 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 117 over Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR 117 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.