US Bridges

SR 99 over Dry Branch

Fair

Limestone County, Alabama · 9.4 MI N. of Elk River · Structure no. 002985

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1947
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
590
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 99 over Dry Branch is a concrete slab carrying SR 99 over Dry Branch in Limestone County, Alabama. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1947, so it is 88 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 590 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 795 by 2033. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 99
CrossesDry Branch
Location9.4 MI N. of Elk River
RouteState Highway 99
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.94667, -87.20833
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.8 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic590 (2024)
Projected traffic795 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$342,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 99 over Dry Branch built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1947.

What condition is SR 99 over Dry 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SR 99 over Dry Branch carry?

About 590 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 99 over Dry Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.8 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns SR 99 over Dry Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.