US Bridges

SR 251 over Branch

Fair

Limestone County, Alabama · 4.4 M N JCT SR251 & I 65 · Structure no. 009482

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
46 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,510
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 251 over Branch is a concrete slab carrying SR 251 over Branch in Limestone County, Alabama. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1968, so it is 99 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 5,510 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,513 by 2033. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 41 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 251
CrossesBranch
Location4.4 M N JCT SR251 & I 65
RouteState Highway 251
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.8431, -86.8762
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,510 (2024)
Projected traffic6,513 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$642,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 251 over Branch built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is SR 251 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SR 251 over Branch carry?

About 5,510 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 251 over Branch?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns SR 251 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.