US Bridges

SR 243 over Branch

Fair

Franklin County, Alabama · 9 MI S JCT SR243 & SR 24 · Structure no. 007807

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,330
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 243 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 243 over Branch in Franklin County, Alabama. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 2,330 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,826 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 243
CrossesBranch
Location9 MI S JCT SR243 & SR 24
RouteState Highway 243
CountyFranklin County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.38502, -87.6357
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 inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,330 (2023)
Projected traffic2,826 by 2033
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 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 SR 243 over Branch built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 243 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SR 243 over Branch carry?

About 2,330 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 243 over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns SR 243 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.