US Bridges

Al. 81 over Branch

Fair

Macon County, Alabama · 1.5MI.N.I85 · Structure no. 015746

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,660
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 1993, so it is 32 years old, younger 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 1,660 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,312 by 2033. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl. 81
CrossesBranch
Location1.5MI.N.I85
RouteState Highway 81
CountyMacon County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.49169, -85.69381
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating86.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 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 traffic1,660 (2013)
Projected traffic2,312 by 2033
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$781,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al. 81 over Branch built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 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 1,660 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Al. 81 over Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Al. 81 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.