US Bridges

Al 97 over Branch

Fair

Lowndes County, Alabama · 3.7MI.NOF Letahatchee · Structure no. 002441

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
960
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 97 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Al 97 over Branch in Lowndes County, Alabama. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 960 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,285 by 2033. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 97
CrossesBranch
Location3.7MI.NOF Letahatchee
RouteState Highway 97
CountyLowndes County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.15424, -86.53921
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating96.3 US tons
Inventory rating57.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic960 (2013)
Projected traffic1,285 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$465,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 97 over Branch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 97 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Al 97 over Branch carry?

About 960 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Al 97 over Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Al 97 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.