US Bridges

US 431/231 over Branch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 2.5 MI N JCT US 231* 431 · Structure no. 011048

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1974
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
38,929
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 431/231 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 431/231 over Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1974, so it is 70 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 38,929 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 54,501 by 2043. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long.

Location

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CarriesUS 431/231
CrossesBranch
Location2.5 MI N JCT US 231* 431
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.75333, -86.59667
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating57.7 US tons
Inventory rating34.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,929 (2023)
Projected traffic54,501 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure6
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$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 431/231 over Branch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1974.

What condition is US 431/231 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 431/231 over Branch carry?

About 38,929 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 431/231 over Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 431/231 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.