US Bridges

US 431 over Branch

Fair

Etowah County, Alabama · 3 MI N Attalla City Limit · Structure no. 005436

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
17,452
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 431 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 431 over Branch in Etowah County, Alabama. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 17,452 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,433 by 2042. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 431
CrossesBranch
Location3 MI N Attalla City Limit
RouteU.S. Route 431
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.06472, -86.12304
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.6 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 traffic17,452 (2022)
Projected traffic24,433 by 2042
Trucks11%
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 431 over Branch built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 431 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 431 over Branch carry?

About 17,452 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 431 over Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 431 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.