US Bridges

AL-6 over Branch

Fair

Pickens County, Alabama · 8.34 MI E Miss State Line · Structure no. 015996

Built
1989
36 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,752
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-6 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying AL-6 over Branch in Pickens County, Alabama. It was built in 1989 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 36 years old, younger 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 4,752 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,215 by 2041. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-6
CrossesBranch
Location8.34 MI E Miss State Line
RouteU.S. Route 82
CountyPickens County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.4211, -88.16497
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 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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,752 (2020)
Projected traffic6,215 by 2041
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate 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$4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-6 over Branch built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is AL-6 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 AL-6 over Branch carry?

About 4,752 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is AL-6 over Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns AL-6 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.