US Bridges

I85 over Branch

Poor

Macon County, Alabama · 0.83 MI S Al. #199 · Structure no. 007864

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
54 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
31,250
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 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 31,250 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 41,186 by 2033. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI85
CrossesBranch
Location0.83 MI S Al. #199
RouteInterstate 85
CountyMacon County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.4653, -85.8982
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: 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 rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length54 ft (16.5 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 traffic31,250 (2013)
Projected traffic41,186 by 2033
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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$3.6 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 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does I85 over Branch carry?

About 31,250 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is I85 over Branch?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 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.