US Bridges

AL-129 over Branch

Good

Marion County, Alabama · 0.6 MI N JCT US 278 · Structure no. 003131

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,634
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-129 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying AL-129 over Branch in Marion County, Alabama. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 1,634 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,223 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesAL-129
CrossesBranch
Location0.6 MI N JCT US 278
RouteState Highway 129
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.13225, -87.73247
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 inspectionMay 2023
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 rating62.5 US tons
Inventory rating37.4 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 traffic1,634 (2020)
Projected traffic2,223 by 2040
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$273,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-129 over Branch built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-129 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does AL-129 over Branch carry?

About 1,634 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is AL-129 over Branch?

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

Who owns AL-129 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.