US Bridges

SR 53 over Broglan Branch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 1.3 MI N JCT US 72 · Structure no. 009845

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
52 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
28,908
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 53 over Broglan Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 53 over Broglan Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1969, so it is 68 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 5 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 28,908 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,471 by 2043. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 53
CrossesBroglan Branch
Location1.3 MI N JCT US 72
RouteState Highway 53
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.75257, -86.63682
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating87.9 US tons
Inventory rating52.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length52 ft (15.8 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 traffic28,908 (2023)
Projected traffic40,471 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure5
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 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 53 over Broglan Branch built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is SR 53 over Broglan 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SR 53 over Broglan Branch carry?

About 28,908 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is SR 53 over Broglan Branch?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns SR 53 over Broglan Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.