US Bridges

SR 68 over Branch

Fair

DeKalb County, Alabama · In City of Collinsville · Structure no. 010377

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
86 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,142
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 68 over Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 68 over Branch in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 8,142 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,399 by 2043. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 68
CrossesBranch
LocationIn City of Collinsville
RouteState Highway 68
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.26648, -85.86373
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,142 (2023)
Projected traffic11,399 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$878,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 68 over Branch built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 68 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SR 68 over Branch carry?

About 8,142 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SR 68 over Branch?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns SR 68 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.