US Bridges

CR 53 over Branch

Fair

Jackson County, Alabama · 4.2 MI W JCT CR 35 · Structure no. 000990

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
140
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 53 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying CR 53 over Branch in Jackson County, Alabama. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 140 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 178 by 2039. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 53
CrossesBranch
Location4.2 MI W JCT CR 35
RouteCounty Highway 53
CountyJackson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.88683, -85.98832
Functional classRural Local

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic140 (1989)
Projected traffic178 by 2039
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$239,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 53 over Branch built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 53 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does CR 53 over Branch carry?

About 140 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is CR 53 over Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns CR 53 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.