US Bridges

US 431 over Branch

Fair

Marshall County, Alabama · 0.6 MI N JCT SR79 * SR 1 · Structure no. 013087

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
16,982
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 431 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 431 over Branch in Marshall County, Alabama. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 95 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 16,982 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,775 by 2041. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 431
CrossesBranch
Location0.6 MI N JCT SR79 * SR 1
RouteU.S. Route 431
CountyMarshall County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.43308, -86.26377
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating90.8 US tons
Inventory rating54.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic16,982 (2021)
Projected traffic23,775 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$1.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 431 over Branch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is US 431 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 431 over Branch carry?

About 16,982 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 431 over Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 431 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.