US Bridges

US 31 over Drainage Canal

Poor

Montgomery County, Alabama · 0.45 MI S of Ala River · Structure no. 004993

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
20,900
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over Drainage Canal is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 31 over Drainage Canal in Montgomery County, Alabama. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 99 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 20,900 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,848 by 2033. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.2 mi (47 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 31
CrossesDrainage Canal
Location0.45 MI S of Ala River
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyMontgomery County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.40574, -86.40623
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length23 ft (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 traffic20,900 (2013)
Projected traffic26,848 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.2 mi (47 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$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 over Drainage Canal built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is US 31 over Drainage Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does US 31 over Drainage Canal carry?

About 20,900 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Drainage Canal?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 31 over Drainage Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.