US Bridges

US 431 over Branch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 3.3 MI S Flint River · Structure no. 005764

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
62 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
16,807
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 431 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 431 over Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 16,807 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,530 by 2043. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 431
CrossesBranch
Location3.3 MI S Flint River
RouteU.S. Route 431
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.59333, -86.45167
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.4 US tons
Inventory rating27.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length62 ft (18.9 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 traffic16,807 (2023)
Projected traffic23,530 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 431 over Branch built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 431 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 US 431 over Branch carry?

About 16,807 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 431 over Branch?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 431 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.