US Bridges

SR 176 over Branch

Fair

DeKalb County, Alabama · 13.0 MI N JCT SR68 · Structure no. 002735

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
704
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 176 over Branch is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 176 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 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 704 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 986 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 176
CrossesBranch
Location13.0 MI N JCT SR68
RouteState Highway 176
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.34341, -85.68983
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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 inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic704 (2023)
Projected traffic986 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$381,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 176 over Branch built?

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

What condition is SR 176 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does SR 176 over Branch carry?

About 704 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SR 176 over Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns SR 176 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.