US Bridges

SR 3 over Branch

Good

Morgan County, Alabama · 0.8 MI N JCT SR 3 & SR 67 · Structure no. 004505

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1953
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
44 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
30,960
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 3 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying SR 3 over Branch in Morgan County, Alabama. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1953, so it is 97 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 30,960 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 39,770 by 2033. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 3
CrossesBranch
Location0.8 MI N JCT SR 3 & SR 67
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyMorgan County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.575, -86.975
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,960 (2023)
Projected traffic39,770 by 2033
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$1.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 3 over Branch built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1953.

What condition is SR 3 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR 3 over Branch carry?

About 30,960 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SR 3 over Branch?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns SR 3 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.