US Bridges

SR 99 over Branch

Fair

Limestone County, Alabama · 1.4 MI N. Elk River · Structure no. 003116

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,850
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 99 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 99 over Branch in Limestone County, Alabama. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 2,850 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,839 by 2033. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 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
CrossesBranch
Location1.4 MI N. Elk River
RouteState Highway 99
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.9112, -87.1015
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,850 (2024)
Projected traffic3,839 by 2033
Trucks4%
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$442,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 99 over Branch built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 99 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SR 99 over Branch carry?

About 2,850 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is SR 99 over Branch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns SR 99 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.