US Bridges

I65 Sbl over Branch

Poor

Lowndes County, Alabama · 0.8 Mi.N.Of Butler Co. · Structure no. 008985

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
46 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,920
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I65 Sbl over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I65 Sbl over Branch in Lowndes County, Alabama. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 14,920 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,902 by 2033. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI65 Sbl
CrossesBranch
Location0.8 Mi.N.Of Butler Co.
RouteInterstate 65
CountyLowndes County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.97473, -86.53449
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: 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 rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length46 ft (14 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 traffic14,920 (2013)
Projected traffic18,902 by 2033
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I65 Sbl over Branch built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is I65 Sbl over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does I65 Sbl over Branch carry?

About 14,920 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is I65 Sbl over Branch?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I65 Sbl over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.