US Bridges

1st Ave SW over Dry Branch

Fair

Morgan County, Alabama · JCT 1st Ave * Dry Branch · Structure no. 007042

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,202
2009 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

1st Ave SW over Dry Branch is a concrete culvert carrying 1st Ave SW over Dry Branch in Morgan County, Alabama. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 1,202 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,042 by 2030. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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Carries1st Ave SW
CrossesDry Branch
LocationJCT 1st Ave * Dry Branch
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMorgan County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.5833, -86.9887
Functional classUrban Local

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 inspectionAugust 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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating91.3 US tons
Inventory rating54.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,202 (2009)
Projected traffic3,042 by 2030
Trucks15%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$521,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 1st Ave SW over Dry Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is 1st Ave SW over Dry 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 1st Ave SW over Dry Branch carry?

About 1,202 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is 1st Ave SW over Dry Branch?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns 1st Ave SW over Dry Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.