US Bridges

US 11 over Branch

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · @ Watterson Parkway · Structure no. 000484

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
20 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
24,320
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 11 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 11 over Branch in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1992, 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 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 24,320 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,864 by 2044. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 11
CrossesBranch
Location@ Watterson Parkway
RouteU.S. Route 11
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.61846, -86.6122
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating61.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length20 ft (6.1 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 traffic24,320 (2024)
Projected traffic31,864 by 2044
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
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$642,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 11 over Branch built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is US 11 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 11 over Branch carry?

About 24,320 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 11 over Branch?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 11 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.