US Bridges

US 231 over Branch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 6 MI S Tenn ST Line · Structure no. 006751

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
28,220
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 231 over Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 96 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 28,220 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 39,508 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 231
CrossesBranch
Location6 MI S Tenn ST Line
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.90667, -86.57167
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.
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating68.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 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 traffic28,220 (2023)
Projected traffic39,508 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
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$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231 over Branch built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is US 231 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 231 over Branch carry?

About 28,220 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 231 over Branch?

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

Who owns US 231 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.