US Bridges

US 72 SR 2 over Branch

Good

Madison County, Alabama · 1 MI E JCT US72 * SR 255 · Structure no. 011920

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
45,135
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 72 SR 2 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 72 SR 2 over Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger 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 45,135 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 63,189 by 2042. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 72 SR 2
CrossesBranch
Location1 MI E JCT US72 * SR 255
RouteU.S. Route 72
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.73667, -86.65333
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 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 rating78.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length42 ft (12.8 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 traffic45,135 (2022)
Projected traffic63,189 by 2042
Trucks4%
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

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$1.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 72 SR 2 over Branch built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 72 SR 2 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 72 SR 2 over Branch carry?

About 45,135 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 72 SR 2 over Branch?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 72 SR 2 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.