US Bridges

US 280 over Branch

Fair

Lee County, Alabama · Town of Opelika · Structure no. 015271

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20,950
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 280 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 280 over Branch in Lee County, Alabama. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1991, 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 20,950 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,125 by 2033. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 280
CrossesBranch
LocationTown of Opelika
RouteU.S. Route 431
CountyLee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.64322, -85.34544
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 rating94.6 US tons
Inventory rating56.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 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 traffic20,950 (2013)
Projected traffic27,125 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 280 over Branch built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is US 280 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does US 280 over Branch carry?

About 20,950 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 280 over Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 280 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.