US Bridges

I85 over Branch

Fair

Macon County, Alabama · 0.58 Mi.N.Of Shorter Exit · Structure no. 007861

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
50 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
35,580
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I85 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I85 over Branch in Macon County, Alabama. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 6 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 35,580 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 46,893 by 2033. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI85
CrossesBranch
Location0.58 Mi.N.Of Shorter Exit
RouteInterstate 85
CountyMacon County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.41073, -85.95301
Functional classRural 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.1 US tons
Inventory rating34.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35,580 (2013)
Projected traffic46,893 by 2033
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$2.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I85 over Branch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is I85 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 2023.

How much traffic does I85 over Branch carry?

About 35,580 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is I85 over Branch?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns I85 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.