US Bridges

US 31 over Drainage Canal

Fair

Montgomery County, Alabama · 1 MI N of So. by Pass · Structure no. 009971

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
51 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
12,380
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 1969, so it is 56 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 12,380 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,903 by 2033. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long.

CarriesUS 31
CrossesDrainage Canal
Location1 MI N of So. by Pass
RouteU.S. Route 31
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.33208, -86.35793
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating71.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,380 (2013)
Projected traffic15,903 by 2033
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 over Drainage Canal built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 31 over Drainage Canal 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 31 over Drainage Canal carry?

About 12,380 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Drainage Canal?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 31 over Drainage Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.