US Bridges

SR 255 over Branch

Good

Madison County, Alabama · 1.1 MI N JCT I-565 · Structure no. 009809

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
50 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
66,465
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 255 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 255 over Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 66,465 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 93,051 by 2043. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 255
CrossesBranch
Location1.1 MI N JCT I-565
RouteState Highway 255
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.72321, -86.67042
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating72.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 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 traffic66,465 (2023)
Projected traffic93,051 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 255 over Branch built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 255 over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does SR 255 over Branch carry?

About 66,465 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is SR 255 over Branch?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns SR 255 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.