US Bridges

SR 26 over Branch

Poor

Russell County, Alabama · 1.2 MI E JCT SR 51 · Structure no. 000352

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,060
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 26 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 26 over Branch in Russell County, Alabama. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 99 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,060 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,293 by 2033. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 26
CrossesBranch
Location1.2 MI E JCT SR 51
RouteState Highway 26
CountyRussell County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.24758, -85.39558
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.1 US tons
Inventory rating46.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,060 (2013)
Projected traffic1,293 by 2033
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$476,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 26 over Branch built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is SR 26 over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does SR 26 over Branch carry?

About 1,060 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SR 26 over Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns SR 26 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.