US Bridges

SR 255 over Branch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 2 MI N JCT I-565 · Structure no. 009810

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
50 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
60,447
2022 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 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 60,447 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 84,626 by 2042. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesSR 255
CrossesBranch
Location2 MI N JCT I-565
RouteState Highway 255
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.7356, -86.67015
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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 inspectionJune 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 rating98 US tons
Inventory rating61 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
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 traffic60,447 (2022)
Projected traffic84,626 by 2042
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 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SR 255 over Branch carry?

About 60,447 vehicles per day (2022 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.