US Bridges

US 231 over Branch

Fair

Elmore County, Alabama · 2.7MI.N Tallapoosa River · Structure no. 004711

Built
1924
101 years old, rebuilt 1954
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
25,380
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 231 over Branch in Elmore County, Alabama. It was built in 1924 and reconstructed in 1954, so it is 101 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 25,380 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,590 by 2033. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 231
CrossesBranch
Location2.7MI.N Tallapoosa River
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyElmore County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.48354, -86.20364
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating82.9 US tons
Inventory rating49.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,380 (2013)
Projected traffic34,590 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$945,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231 over Branch built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1954.

What condition is US 231 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 US 231 over Branch carry?

About 25,380 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 231 over Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 231 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.