US Bridges

SR 157 over Branch

Fair

Morgan County, Alabama · 8.2 M S JCT SR157 & SR36 · Structure no. 006711

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 2005
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
58 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,160
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 157 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 157 over Branch in Morgan County, Alabama. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 2005, so it is 66 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 5,160 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,185 by 2033. The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 157
CrossesBranch
Location8.2 M S JCT SR157 & SR36
RouteState Highway 157
CountyMorgan County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.35, -87.04333
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 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 rating56.5 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length58 ft (17.7 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 traffic5,160 (2023)
Projected traffic6,185 by 2033
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure4
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$2.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 157 over Branch built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2005.

What condition is SR 157 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does SR 157 over Branch carry?

About 5,160 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is SR 157 over Branch?

The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns SR 157 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.