US Bridges

SR 71 over Branch

Fair

Jackson County, Alabama · 1 MI N JCT SR 117 * SR 71 · Structure no. 002715

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,209
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 71 over Branch is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 71 over Branch in Jackson County, Alabama. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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 2,209 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,093 by 2041. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 71
CrossesBranch
Location1 MI N JCT SR 117 * SR 71
RouteState Highway 71
CountyJackson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.78, -85.68833
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,209 (2021)
Projected traffic3,093 by 2041
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$571,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 71 over Branch built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 71 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 SR 71 over Branch carry?

About 2,209 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is SR 71 over Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns SR 71 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.