US Bridges

US 31 over Mays Branch

Fair

Escambia County, Alabama · 1.5 MI N CO RD 18 · Structure no. 004541

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 1967
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,864
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over Mays Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 31 over Mays Branch in Escambia County, Alabama. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 1967, so it is 72 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 18,864 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,296 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 31
CrossesMays Branch
Location1.5 MI N CO RD 18
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyEscambia County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.08831, -87.09644
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 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 traffic18,864 (2023)
Projected traffic28,296 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 over Mays Branch built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1967.

What condition is US 31 over Mays 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 31 over Mays Branch carry?

About 18,864 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Mays Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 31 over Mays Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.