US Bridges

AL-253 over Branch

Fair

Marion County, Alabama · 6 MI N JCT US-43 · Structure no. 003370

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
61 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,212
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-253 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying AL-253 over Branch in Marion County, Alabama. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 years old, older 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 1,212 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,776 by 2040. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-253
CrossesBranch
Location6 MI N JCT US-43
RouteState Highway 253
CountyMarion County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.99831, -87.85733
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating78 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length61 ft (18.6 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 traffic1,212 (2020)
Projected traffic1,776 by 2040
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$754,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-253 over Branch built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-253 over 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does AL-253 over Branch carry?

About 1,212 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is AL-253 over Branch?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns AL-253 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.