US Bridges

SR 20 over Branch

Fair

Lawrence County, Alabama · 7 M E JCT SR 20 & SR 33 · Structure no. 006585

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
37 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,230
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 20 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 20 over Branch in Lawrence County, Alabama. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 97 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 13,230 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,819 by 2033. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 20
CrossesBranch
Location7 M E JCT SR 20 & SR 33
RouteState Highway 20
CountyLawrence County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.64894, -87.16742
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating88.1 US tons
Inventory rating52.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length37 ft (11.3 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 traffic13,230 (2024)
Projected traffic17,819 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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$1.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 20 over Branch built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is SR 20 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 SR 20 over Branch carry?

About 13,230 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 20 over Branch?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR 20 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.