US Bridges

SR 2 over Branch

Fair

Limestone County, Alabama · 5.9 MI W JCT SR 2 & SR 3 · Structure no. 008499

Built
1924
101 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,200
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 2 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 2 over Branch in Limestone County, Alabama. It was built in 1924 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 101 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 11,200 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,612 by 2033. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesSR 2
CrossesBranch
Location5.9 MI W JCT SR 2 & SR 3
RouteU.S. Route 72
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.79167, -87.05833
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.6 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 traffic11,200 (2024)
Projected traffic13,612 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$706,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 2 over Branch built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is SR 2 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SR 2 over Branch carry?

About 11,200 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SR 2 over Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns SR 2 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.