US Bridges

AL-44 over Branch

Fair

Marion County, Alabama · 0.2 MI W JCT SR 253 · Structure no. 003457

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
60 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,758
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-44 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying AL-44 over Branch in Marion County, Alabama. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 6 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 1,758 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,200 by 2040. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-44
CrossesBranch
Location0.2 MI W JCT SR 253
RouteState Highway 44
CountyMarion County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.00233, -87.85994
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating89 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length60 ft (18.3 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 traffic1,758 (2020)
Projected traffic2,200 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$744,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-44 over Branch built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-44 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does AL-44 over Branch carry?

About 1,758 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is AL-44 over Branch?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns AL-44 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.