US Bridges

Airport Ave over Branch

Good

DeKalb County, Alabama · 0.8 MI S of Airport · Structure no. 009395

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
52 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,700
2019 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Airport Ave over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Airport Ave over Branch in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 1,700 vehicles a day, roughly 40% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,300 by 2034. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesAirport Ave
CrossesBranch
Location0.8 MI S of Airport
RouteCity Street 0
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.46679, -85.72914
Functional classUrban Local

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 inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,700 (2019)
Projected traffic2,300 by 2034
Trucks40%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$517,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Airport Ave over Branch built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is Airport Ave 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Airport Ave over Branch carry?

About 1,700 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 40% are trucks.

How long is Airport Ave over Branch?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Airport Ave over Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.