US Bridges

Al - 4 (us 78) over Branch

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · .9 Mi. E. Al 25 · Structure no. 000471

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,260
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 4 (us 78) over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Al - 4 (us 78) over Branch in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 5 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 4,260 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,494 by 2044. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 4 (us 78)
CrossesBranch
Location.9 Mi. E. Al 25
RouteU.S. Route 78
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.54438, -86.5219
Functional classUrban 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.7 US tons
Inventory rating47.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,260 (2024)
Projected traffic5,494 by 2044
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$334,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 4 (us 78) over Branch built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 4 (us 78) 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Al - 4 (us 78) over Branch carry?

About 4,260 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Al - 4 (us 78) over Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns Al - 4 (us 78) over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.