US Bridges

AL-96 over Branch

Fair

Lamar County, Alabama · 1.0 MI W Fayette CO Line · Structure no. 013737

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,469
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-96 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying AL-96 over Branch in Lamar County, Alabama. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 96 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 1,469 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,672 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-96
CrossesBranch
Location1.0 MI W Fayette CO Line
RouteState Highway 96
CountyLamar County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.61613, -87.95522
Functional classRural Minor 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 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
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 traffic1,469 (2020)
Projected traffic1,672 by 2040
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$369,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-96 over Branch built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is AL-96 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-96 over Branch carry?

About 1,469 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is AL-96 over Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns AL-96 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.