US Bridges

Al - 5 (us 78) over Branch

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Dugan Ave Forestdale · Structure no. 010837

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
23,609
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 1936 and reconstructed in 1973, so it is 89 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 23,609 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 42,640 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
LocationDugan Ave Forestdale
RouteState Highway 5
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.55153, -86.88332
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 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 traffic23,609 (2024)
Projected traffic42,640 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure6
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$713,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1973.

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 23,609 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% 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.