US Bridges

Al - 5 (us 78) over Branch

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · 1.2 MI W Cherry Ave. · Structure no. 001904

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
19,565
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 5 (us 78) over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Al - 5 (us 78) over Branch in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 86 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 19,565 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 35,339 by 2044. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 5 (us 78)
CrossesBranch
Location1.2 MI W Cherry Ave.
RouteState Highway 5
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.55194, -86.88361
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating63.7 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic19,565 (2024)
Projected traffic35,339 by 2044
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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$784,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 5 (us 78) over Branch built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is Al - 5 (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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Al - 5 (us 78) over Branch carry?

About 19,565 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Al - 5 (us 78) over Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Al - 5 (us 78) over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.