US Bridges

University Drive over Branch

Good

Madison County, Alabama · Univ DR E of Memorial Pky · Structure no. 010778

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
20,200
2024 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

University Drive over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying University Drive over Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 20,200 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 39,592 by 2044. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUniversity Drive
CrossesBranch
LocationUniv DR E of Memorial Pky
RouteCity Street 0
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.74, -86.59833
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.5 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,200 (2024)
Projected traffic39,592 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$664,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was University Drive over Branch built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is University Drive 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does University Drive over Branch carry?

About 20,200 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is University Drive over Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns University Drive over Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.