US Bridges

SR 68 over Branch

Good

DeKalb County, Alabama · 3 MI W JCT I59 * SR 68 · Structure no. 002709

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
39 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,851
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 68 over Branch is a masonry culvert carrying SR 68 over Branch in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,851 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,391 by 2043. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 68
CrossesBranch
Location3 MI W JCT I59 * SR 68
RouteState Highway 68
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.28833, -85.925
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length39 ft (11.9 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 traffic3,851 (2023)
Projected traffic5,391 by 2043
Trucks11%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$568,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 68 over Branch built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 68 over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 68 over Branch carry?

About 3,851 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SR 68 over Branch?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR 68 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.