US Bridges

Al 179 8.852MP over Branch

Good

Etowah County, Alabama · 8.8MI N US 278 · Structure no. 016662

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,555
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 179 8.852MP over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Al 179 8.852MP over Branch in Etowah County, Alabama. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,555 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,977 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 179 8.852MP
CrossesBranch
Location8.8MI N US 278
RouteState Highway 179
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.17222, -86.20131
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than 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 loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,555 (2023)
Projected traffic4,977 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$671,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 179 8.852MP over Branch built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 179 8.852MP over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does Al 179 8.852MP over Branch carry?

About 3,555 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Al 179 8.852MP over Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns Al 179 8.852MP over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.