US Bridges

US 29 over Bell Branch

Fair

Escambia County, Alabama · 3.2 MI S CO RD 22 · Structure no. 000276

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 2005
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,318
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 29 over Bell Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 29 over Bell Branch in Escambia County, Alabama. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 2005, so it is 100 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 1,318 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,977 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 29
CrossesBell Branch
Location3.2 MI S CO RD 22
RouteU.S. Route 29
CountyEscambia County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.0954, -86.97437
Functional classRural 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating71.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,318 (2023)
Projected traffic1,977 by 2043
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$352,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 29 over Bell Branch built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2005.

What condition is US 29 over Bell 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does US 29 over Bell Branch carry?

About 1,318 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is US 29 over Bell Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 29 over Bell Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.