US Bridges

Al. 81 over Branch

Fair

Macon County, Alabama · 100S.OF JCT.199 · Structure no. 000684

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,540
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al. 81 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Al. 81 over Branch in Macon County, Alabama. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 4,540 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,323 by 2033. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl. 81
CrossesBranch
Location100S.OF JCT.199
RouteState Highway 81
CountyMacon County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.46365, -85.68874
Functional classUrban 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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 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 traffic4,540 (2013)
Projected traffic6,323 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$288,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al. 81 over Branch built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al. 81 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 Al. 81 over Branch carry?

About 4,540 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Al. 81 over Branch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Al. 81 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.