US Bridges

SR 35 over Branch

Fair

DeKalb County, Alabama · In City of Fort Payne · Structure no. 009701

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
71 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
20,486
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 35 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 35 over Branch in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 20,486 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,680 by 2042. The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 35
CrossesBranch
LocationIn City of Fort Payne
RouteState Highway 35
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.43682, -85.74344
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 inspectionFebruary 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.8 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length71 ft (21.6 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 traffic20,486 (2022)
Projected traffic28,680 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 35 over Branch built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 35 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 2024.

How much traffic does SR 35 over Branch carry?

About 20,486 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR 35 over Branch?

The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns SR 35 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.