US Bridges

I 65 over Branch

Fair

Limestone County, Alabama · 0.4 M N JCT I 65 & SR 251 · Structure no. 009918

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
50 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
22,730
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 65 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying I 65 over Branch in Limestone County, Alabama. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 22,730 vehicles a day, roughly 44% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,797 by 2033. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI 65
CrossesBranch
Location0.4 M N JCT I 65 & SR 251
RouteInterstate 65
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.81797, -86.93881
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 inspectionMay 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.4 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 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 traffic22,730 (2024)
Projected traffic28,797 by 2033
Trucks44%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$2.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 65 over Branch built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 65 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does I 65 over Branch carry?

About 22,730 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 44% are trucks.

How long is I 65 over Branch?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns I 65 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.