US Bridges

Al - 174 over Branch

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · 100 E.Co. Rd. 16 · Structure no. 003142

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,480
2025 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 174 over Branch is a steel culvert carrying Al - 174 over Branch in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 4,480 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,870 by 2045. 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 - 174
CrossesBranch
Location100 E.Co. Rd. 16
RouteState Highway 174
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.65167, -86.40722
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,480 (2025)
Projected traffic5,870 by 2045
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$560,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 174 over Branch built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 174 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Al - 174 over Branch carry?

About 4,480 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Al - 174 over Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns Al - 174 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.