US Bridges

US 31 over Blue Branch

Fair

Escambia County, Alabama · 0.8 MI S Conecuh CO Line · Structure no. 000467

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,878
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over Blue Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 31 over Blue Branch in Escambia County, Alabama. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 3,878 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,817 by 2041. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 31
CrossesBlue Branch
Location0.8 MI S Conecuh CO Line
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyEscambia County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.25253, -87.04825
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 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating68.5 US tons
Inventory rating46.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (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 traffic3,878 (2021)
Projected traffic5,817 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$289,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 over Blue Branch built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 31 over Blue 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 2023.

How much traffic does US 31 over Blue Branch carry?

About 3,878 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Blue Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 31 over Blue Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.