US Bridges

US 231 over Governors DR * Branch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · JCT Governors DR * US 231 · Structure no. 011957

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
727 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
83,768
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 over Governors DR * Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 231 over Governors DR * Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger 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 83,768 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 117,275 by 2043. The structure is 727 ft (221.6 m) long and 92 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 231
CrossesGovernors DR * Branch
LocationJCT Governors DR * US 231
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.71833, -86.59333
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating63.5 US tons
Inventory rating38.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+8 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length727 ft (221.6 m)
Longest span143 ft (43.6 m)
Deck width92 ft (28.1 m)
Roadway width90 ft (27.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic83,768 (2023)
Projected traffic117,275 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$15.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231 over Governors DR * Branch built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 231 over Governors DR * 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 231 over Governors DR * Branch carry?

About 83,768 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 231 over Governors DR * Branch?

The structure is 727 ft (221.6 m) long with a longest span of 143 ft (43.6 m) and a deck 92 ft wide.

Who owns US 231 over Governors DR * Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.