US Bridges

SR 71 over Branch

Good

Jackson County, Alabama · 0.3 MI N JCT SR 35 * 71 · Structure no. 003156

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1948
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,591
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 71 over Branch is a masonry culvert carrying SR 71 over Branch in Jackson County, Alabama. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1948, so it is 98 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,591 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,228 by 2041. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 71
CrossesBranch
Location0.3 MI N JCT SR 35 * 71
RouteState Highway 71
CountyJackson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.5817, -85.97741
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 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 traffic1,591 (2021)
Projected traffic2,228 by 2041
Trucks7%
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$330,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 71 over Branch built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1948.

What condition is SR 71 over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does SR 71 over Branch carry?

About 1,591 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 71 over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR 71 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.