US Bridges

I 65 over Branch

Fair

Morgan County, Alabama · 4 MI N JCT I 65 & SR 3 · Structure no. 009534

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
33,220
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 65 over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying I 65 over Branch in Morgan County, Alabama. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 33,220 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 42,087 by 2033. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI 65
CrossesBranch
Location4 MI N JCT I 65 & SR 3
RouteInterstate 65
CountyMorgan County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.3702, -86.8915
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 inspectionDecember 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33,220 (2023)
Projected traffic42,087 by 2033
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I 65 over Branch built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 65 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does I 65 over Branch carry?

About 33,220 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is I 65 over Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I 65 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.