US Bridges

AL-44 over Branch

Good

Marion County, Alabama · 1 MI W JCT SR 129 · Structure no. 003459

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
742
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 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 742 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 550 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesAL-44
CrossesBranch
Location1 MI W JCT SR 129
RouteState Highway 44
CountyMarion County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.02103, -87.78906
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 2025
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating68.9 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 traffic742 (2020)
Projected traffic550 by 2040
Trucks5%
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-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 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 2025.

How much traffic does AL-44 over Branch carry?

About 742 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is AL-44 over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 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.