US Bridges

Al 179 over Branch

Fair

Etowah County, Alabama · 3 . 3 MI N JCT US 278 · Structure no. 001840

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
65 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
2,299
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 179 over Branch is a concrete slab carrying Al 179 over Branch in Etowah County, Alabama. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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. Its operating status is: open, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring.

It carries about 2,299 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,219 by 2042. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 179
CrossesBranch
Location3 . 3 MI N JCT US 278
RouteState Highway 179
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.095, -86.18667
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 10
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,299 (2022)
Projected traffic3,219 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$658,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 179 over Branch built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 179 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Al 179 over Branch carry?

About 2,299 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Al 179 over Branch?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Al 179 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.