US Bridges

SR 36 over Branch

Fair

Morgan County, Alabama · 5 MI E JCT SR 36 & SR 67 · Structure no. 002693

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
44 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,070
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 36 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 36 over Branch in Morgan County, Alabama. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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 4,070 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,927 by 2033. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 36
CrossesBranch
Location5 MI E JCT SR 36 & SR 67
RouteState Highway 36
CountyMorgan County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.48, -86.69
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.8 US tons
Inventory rating32.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.5 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,070 (2023)
Projected traffic4,927 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$440,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 36 over Branch built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 36 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR 36 over Branch carry?

About 4,070 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR 36 over Branch?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.5 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR 36 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.