US Bridges

SR 73 over Branch

Fair

Jackson County, Alabama · 8.17 MI N JCT SR 71* 73 · Structure no. 003826

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,503
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 73 over Branch is a concrete slab carrying SR 73 over Branch in Jackson County, Alabama. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 1,503 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,104 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 73
CrossesBranch
Location8.17 MI N JCT SR 71* 73
RouteState Highway 73
CountyJackson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.97383, -85.62553
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,503 (2023)
Projected traffic2,104 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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$393,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 73 over Branch built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 73 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SR 73 over Branch carry?

About 1,503 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is SR 73 over Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns SR 73 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.