US Bridges

AL-74 over Branch

Good

Marion County, Alabama · 1 MI W JCT Al 241 · Structure no. 002535

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,588
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-74 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying AL-74 over Branch in Marion County, Alabama. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 1,588 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,972 by 2041. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

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CarriesAL-74
CrossesBranch
Location1 MI W JCT Al 241
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyMarion County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.13122, -87.76264
Functional classRural 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 inspectionJanuary 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 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 traffic1,588 (2020)
Projected traffic1,972 by 2041
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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$495,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-74 over Branch built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-74 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does AL-74 over Branch carry?

About 1,588 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is AL-74 over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns AL-74 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.