US Bridges

I-59 over Branch

Fair

DeKalb County, Alabama · 2 MI S JCT I59 * SR 35 · Structure no. 008150

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
17,453
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-59 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying I-59 over Branch in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 17,453 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,434 by 2042. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesI-59
CrossesBranch
Location2 MI S JCT I59 * SR 35
RouteInterstate 59
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.41535, -85.7718
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 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 spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,453 (2022)
Projected traffic24,434 by 2042
Trucks30%
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 NetworkInterstate 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$2.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-59 over Branch built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-59 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 2024.

How much traffic does I-59 over Branch carry?

About 17,453 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is I-59 over Branch?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns I-59 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.