US Bridges

US 431 over Branch

Good

Madison County, Alabama · 4.5 MI S Flint River · Structure no. 013129

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,807
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 431 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 431 over Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1984, 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 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 16,807 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,530 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long.

CarriesUS 431
CrossesBranch
Location4.5 MI S Flint River
RouteU.S. Route 431
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.57667, -86.44833
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionJuly 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 rating60.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,807 (2023)
Projected traffic23,530 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
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$1.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 431 over Branch built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is US 431 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 431 over Branch carry?

About 16,807 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 431 over Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns US 431 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.