US Bridges

SR 3 over Branch

Fair

Limestone County, Alabama · 3.4 MI N JCT SR 3 & SR 20 · Structure no. 005723

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1957
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
14,720
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 3 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying SR 3 over Branch in Limestone County, Alabama. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1957, so it is 84 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 14,720 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,909 by 2033. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 3
CrossesBranch
Location3.4 MI N JCT SR 3 & SR 20
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.67667, -86.95
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.7 US tons
Inventory rating46.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,720 (2023)
Projected traffic18,909 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$823,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 3 over Branch built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1957.

What condition is SR 3 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 2023.

How much traffic does SR 3 over Branch carry?

About 14,720 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 3 over Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns SR 3 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.