US Bridges

5th Ave SW over Dry Branch

Fair

Morgan County, Alabama · JCT 5th SW * Dry Branch · Structure no. 007982

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
36 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,349
2009 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

5th Ave SW over Dry Branch is a concrete culvert carrying 5th Ave SW over Dry Branch in Morgan County, Alabama. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 19,349 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,627 by 2029. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries5th Ave SW
CrossesDry Branch
LocationJCT 5th SW * Dry Branch
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMorgan County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.5822, -86.9948
Functional classUrban Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,349 (2009)
Projected traffic28,627 by 2029
Trucks20%
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$496,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 5th Ave SW over Dry Branch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is 5th 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 5th Ave SW over Dry Branch carry?

About 19,349 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is 5th Ave SW over Dry Branch?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns 5th Ave SW over Dry Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.