US Bridges

US 231 over Branch

Fair

Elmore County, Alabama · JCT of Al 14 * US 231 · Structure no. 005158

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20,910
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 1955, so it is 70 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 20,910 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,498 by 2033. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 57.2 mi (92 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 231
CrossesBranch
LocationJCT of Al 14 * US 231
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyElmore County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.36833, -86.19167
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating76.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 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 traffic20,910 (2013)
Projected traffic28,498 by 2033
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed57.2 mi (92 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$4.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231 over Branch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

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 20,910 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 231 over Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 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.