US Bridges

US 231 over Black Drink Branch

Fair

Elmore County, Alabama · 1.0 Mi.S.Of Coosa CO Line · Structure no. 015500

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,120
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 over Black Drink Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 231 over Black Drink Branch in Elmore County, Alabama. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 94 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 2,120 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,644 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 231
CrossesBlack Drink Branch
Location1.0 Mi.S.Of Coosa CO Line
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyElmore County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.74576, -86.23295
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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 rating47.6 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 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 traffic2,120 (2013)
Projected traffic2,644 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
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$479,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231 over Black Drink Branch built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is US 231 over Black Drink 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 231 over Black Drink Branch carry?

About 2,120 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 231 over Black Drink Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 231 over Black Drink Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.