US Bridges

US 431 over Branch

Fair

Etowah County, Alabama · 3 . 3 MI No Etowah CO LN · Structure no. 006898

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
20,045
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 1960, so it is 65 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 20,045 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,063 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 431
CrossesBranch
Location3 . 3 MI No Etowah CO LN
RouteU.S. Route 431
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.95175, -85.92885
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 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 traffic20,045 (2022)
Projected traffic28,063 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 431 over Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 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 20,045 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 431 over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 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.