US Bridges

US 231; SR 53 over Branch * Drake Ave

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 1 MI S JCT US431 * US231 · Structure no. 008798

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
80,489
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231; SR 53 over Branch * Drake Ave is a concrete culvert carrying US 231; SR 53 over Branch * Drake Ave in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 80,489 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 112,684 by 2043. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long.

Location

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CarriesUS 231; SR 53
CrossesBranch * Drake Ave
Location1 MI S JCT US431 * US231
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.70514, -86.58827
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.9 US tons
Inventory rating34.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80,489 (2023)
Projected traffic112,684 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure10
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$5.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231; SR 53 over Branch * Drake Ave built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 231; SR 53 over Branch * Drake Ave 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 231; SR 53 over Branch * Drake Ave carry?

About 80,489 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 231; SR 53 over Branch * Drake Ave?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US 231; SR 53 over Branch * Drake Ave?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.