US Bridges

SR 3 over Branch

Good

Morgan County, Alabama · 1.6 M S JCT SR 3 & SR 67 · Structure no. 005094

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
17,540
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 1955, so it is 70 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 17,540 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,531 by 2033. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 3
CrossesBranch
Location1.6 M S JCT SR 3 & SR 67
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyMorgan County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.54, -86.97333
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating67.1 US tons
Inventory rating40.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 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 traffic17,540 (2023)
Projected traffic22,531 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 SR 3 over Branch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

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 17,540 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 3 over Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns SR 3 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.