US Bridges

US72; SR2 over Branch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 0.2MI E JCT Shields RD/72 · Structure no. 005716

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1957
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
32,353
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US72; SR2 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US72; SR2 over Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1957, so it is 92 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 32,353 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 45,294 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS72; SR2
CrossesBranch
Location0.2MI E JCT Shields RD/72
RouteU.S. Route 72
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.77333, -86.52333
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating97 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,353 (2022)
Projected traffic45,294 by 2042
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US72; SR2 over Branch built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1957.

What condition is US72; SR2 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does US72; SR2 over Branch carry?

About 32,353 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US72; SR2 over Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US72; SR2 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.