US Bridges

SR 71 over Branch

Fair

Jackson County, Alabama · 1.1 MI N JCT SR71 * SR 40 · Structure no. 003305

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
36 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,535
2021 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 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 3,535 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,949 by 2041. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 71
CrossesBranch
Location1.1 MI N JCT SR71 * SR 40
RouteState Highway 71
CountyJackson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.63994, -85.85935
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 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.5 US tons
Inventory rating38.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length36 ft (11 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 traffic3,535 (2021)
Projected traffic4,949 by 2041
Trucks3%
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$518,000 (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 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 3,535 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SR 71 over Branch?

The structure is 36 ft (11 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.