US Bridges

SR 157 over Branch

Good

Lawrence County, Alabama · 3.1 M N JCT SR157 & SR101 · Structure no. 014281

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,670
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 157 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 157 over Branch in Lawrence County, Alabama. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 66 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 5,670 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,796 by 2033. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 157
CrossesBranch
Location3.1 M N JCT SR157 & SR101
RouteState Highway 157
CountyLawrence County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.61317, -87.45936
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,670 (2021)
Projected traffic6,796 by 2033
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 157 over Branch built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is SR 157 over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does SR 157 over Branch carry?

About 5,670 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is SR 157 over Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns SR 157 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.