US Bridges

Drake Ave over Brahan Spring Branch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 2227 Drake Ave · Structure no. 005295

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,000
2016 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Drake Ave over Brahan Spring Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Drake Ave over Brahan Spring Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 19,000 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,920 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 79 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesDrake Ave
CrossesBrahan Spring Branch
Location2227 Drake Ave
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.70167, -86.60167
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating70.8 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width79 ft (24 m)
Roadway width69 ft (21 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,000 (2016)
Projected traffic31,920 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$827,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Drake Ave over Brahan Spring Branch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Drake Ave over Brahan Spring 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Drake Ave over Brahan Spring Branch carry?

About 19,000 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Drake Ave over Brahan Spring Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 79 ft wide.

Who owns Drake Ave over Brahan Spring Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.