US Bridges

SR 71 over Branch

Good

Jackson County, Alabama · 3.5 MI S JCT SR40 * SR71 · Structure no. 003304

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,594
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 71 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 71 over Branch in Jackson County, Alabama. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 1,594 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,232 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 71
CrossesBranch
Location3.5 MI S JCT SR40 * SR71
RouteState Highway 71
CountyJackson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.60018, -85.93469
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating93.6 US tons
Inventory rating56.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 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 traffic1,594 (2023)
Projected traffic2,232 by 2043
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$419,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 71 over Branch built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

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 2025.

How much traffic does SR 71 over Branch carry?

About 1,594 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 71 over Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 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.