US Bridges

CR-9 over Branch

Fair

Lamar County, Alabama · 3.5 Mi. S.W. Star · Structure no. 003597

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
350
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR-9 over Branch is a steel culvert carrying CR-9 over Branch in Lamar 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 350 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 520 by 2036. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR-9
CrossesBranch
Location3.5 Mi. S.W. Star
RouteCounty Highway 9
CountyLamar County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.64554, -88.22342
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionDecember 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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.7 US tons
Inventory rating29.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic350 (2016)
Projected traffic520 by 2036
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$488,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR-9 over Branch built?

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

What condition is CR-9 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 CR-9 over Branch carry?

About 350 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is CR-9 over Branch?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns CR-9 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.