US Bridges

AL-86 over Branch

Fair

Pickens County, Alabama · 5.6 MI E Pickensville · Structure no. 003316

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
49 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,165
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-86 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying AL-86 over Branch in Pickens County, Alabama. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 77 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 6 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 1,165 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,623 by 2040. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-86
CrossesBranch
Location5.6 MI E Pickensville
RouteState Highway 86
CountyPickens County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.24708, -88.17408
Functional classRural Major 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating83.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,165 (2020)
Projected traffic1,623 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$704,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-86 over Branch built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is AL-86 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does AL-86 over Branch carry?

About 1,165 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is AL-86 over Branch?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns AL-86 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.