US Bridges

4th Avenue North over Branch

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · 4th Ave N * 6th Street · Structure no. 010421

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,000
2016 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

4th Avenue North over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying 4th Avenue North over Branch in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 2,000 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,000 by 2036. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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Carries4th Avenue North
CrossesBranch
Location4th Ave N * 6th Street
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.50785, -86.82784
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,000 (2016)
Projected traffic3,000 by 2036
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$963,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 4th Avenue North over Branch built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is 4th Avenue North 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 2023.

How much traffic does 4th Avenue North over Branch carry?

About 2,000 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is 4th Avenue North over Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns 4th Avenue North over Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.