US Bridges

AL-159 over Branch

Fair

Fayette County, Alabama · 2.9 MI S JCT SR 171 · Structure no. 005638

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
48 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,434
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-159 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying AL-159 over Branch in Fayette 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 1,434 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,832 by 2040. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-159
CrossesBranch
Location2.9 MI S JCT SR 171
RouteState Highway 159
CountyFayette County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.63198, -87.85313
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 rating68 US tons
Inventory rating40.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length48 ft (14.6 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 traffic1,434 (2020)
Projected traffic1,832 by 2040
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$653,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-159 over Branch built?

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

What condition is AL-159 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does AL-159 over Branch carry?

About 1,434 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is AL-159 over Branch?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns AL-159 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.