US Bridges

Jefferson Ave over Branch

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Jeff Ave * 32 Nd ST SW · Structure no. 014986

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,500
2018 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Jefferson Ave over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Jefferson Ave over Branch in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 87 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 9,500 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,000 by 2038. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesJefferson Ave
CrossesBranch
LocationJeff Ave * 32 Nd ST SW
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.46515, -86.88571
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 inspectionMay 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,500 (2018)
Projected traffic12,000 by 2038
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$380,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Jefferson Ave over Branch built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is Jefferson Ave 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Jefferson Ave over Branch carry?

About 9,500 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Jefferson Ave over Branch?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns Jefferson Ave over Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.