US Bridges

US 231 over Branch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 0.2 MI S Tenn ST Line · Structure no. 006753

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
12,243
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 12,243 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,140 by 2043. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 231
CrossesBranch
Location0.2 MI S Tenn ST Line
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.98667, -86.57
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating78.8 US tons
Inventory rating47.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 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 traffic12,243 (2023)
Projected traffic17,140 by 2043
Trucks4%
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$1.3 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 12,243 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 231 over Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 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.