US Bridges

AL-18 over Branch

Fair

Fayette County, Alabama · 0.8 MI W Stough · Structure no. 013083

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,217
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-18 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying AL-18 over Branch in Fayette County, Alabama. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 99 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 2,217 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,125 by 2040. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesAL-18
CrossesBranch
Location0.8 MI W Stough
RouteU.S. Route 43
CountyFayette County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.69098, -87.7548
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 inspectionJune 2024
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating75.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length34 ft (10.4 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 traffic2,217 (2020)
Projected traffic3,125 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$424,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-18 over Branch built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is AL-18 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 2024.

How much traffic does AL-18 over Branch carry?

About 2,217 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is AL-18 over Branch?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns AL-18 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.