US Bridges

31st Str SW over Branch

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · 31st Str SW * Jeff Avenue · Structure no. 003634

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
16,000
2016 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

31st Str SW over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying 31st Str SW over Branch in Jefferson 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 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 16,000 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,000 by 2036. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries31st Str SW
CrossesBranch
Location31st Str SW * Jeff Avenue
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.46814, -86.88293
Functional classUrban Local

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 inspectionJuly 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,000 (2016)
Projected traffic24,000 by 2036
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$704,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 31st Str SW over Branch built?

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

What condition is 31st Str SW 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does 31st Str SW over Branch carry?

About 16,000 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is 31st Str SW over Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns 31st Str SW over Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.