US Bridges

Al - 5 (us 78) over Branch

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · 0.3 MI E Walker CO LN · Structure no. 011046

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1974
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
14,660
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 1952 and reconstructed in 1974, so it is 73 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 14,660 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,354 by 2044. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 5 (us 78)
CrossesBranch
Location0.3 MI E Walker CO LN
RouteState Highway 5
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.7382, -87.0257
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 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 traffic14,660 (2024)
Projected traffic18,354 by 2044
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1974.

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 October 2024.

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

About 14,660 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

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

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 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.