US Bridges

US 11; SR 7 over Branch

Fair

DeKalb County, Alabama · In City of Fort Payne · Structure no. 018964

Built
2007
18 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
52 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,316
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 11; SR 7 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 11; SR 7 over Branch in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 2007, so it is 18 years old, younger 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 11,316 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,842 by 2042. The structure is 52 ft (16 m) long and 139 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 11; SR 7
CrossesBranch
LocationIn City of Fort Payne
RouteU.S. Route 11
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.47067, -85.70272
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 inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating55.8 US tons
Inventory rating33.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length52 ft (16 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.3 m)
Deck width139 ft (42.3 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,316 (2022)
Projected traffic15,842 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 11; SR 7 over Branch built?

It was built in 2007, making it 18 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 11; SR 7 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does US 11; SR 7 over Branch carry?

About 11,316 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 11; SR 7 over Branch?

The structure is 52 ft (16 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.3 m) and a deck 139 ft wide.

Who owns US 11; SR 7 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.