US Bridges

Al 97 over Branch

Fair

Lowndes County, Alabama · 2.0MILESSOUTHOFAL.#21 · Structure no. 002442

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

About this bridge

Al 97 over Branch is a concrete continuous slab 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 74 ft (22.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 97
CrossesBranch
Location2.0MILESSOUTHOFAL.#21
RouteState Highway 97
CountyLowndes County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.16269, -86.55862
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.2 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length74 ft (22.6 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$604,000 (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 74 ft (22.6 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Al 97 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.