US Bridges

Al - 23 over Branch

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · 0 . 3 MI North I 59 · Structure no. 000226

Built
1924
101 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
61 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,370
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 23 over Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying Al - 23 over Branch in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 1924, so it is 101 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 3,370 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,088 by 2043. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 23
CrossesBranch
Location0 . 3 MI North I 59
RouteU.S. Route 23
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.775, -86.425
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.1 US tons
Inventory rating39.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.7 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,370 (2023)
Projected traffic4,088 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$350,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 23 over Branch built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 23 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 23 over Branch carry?

About 3,370 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Al - 23 over Branch?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 23 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.