US Bridges

I-85 over Branch

Fair

Macon County, Alabama · 6.4 Mi.N.Shorter Exit · Structure no. 008204

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
71 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
34,180
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-85 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I-85 over Branch in Macon County, Alabama. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 34,180 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 45,048 by 2033. The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

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CarriesI-85
CrossesBranch
Location6.4 Mi.N.Shorter Exit
RouteInterstate 85
CountyMacon County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.43649, -85.8578
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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
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 spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length71 ft (21.6 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 traffic34,180 (2013)
Projected traffic45,048 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$4.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-85 over Branch built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-85 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 2023.

How much traffic does I-85 over Branch carry?

About 34,180 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is I-85 over Branch?

The structure is 71 ft (21.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns I-85 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.