US Bridges

US 231 over Branch

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · 1 . 5 MI No JCT US 11 · Structure no. 003275

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,520
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 231 over Branch in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 1948, 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 5,520 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,175 by 2044. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 231
CrossesBranch
Location1 . 5 MI No JCT US 11
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.8925, -86.3125
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,520 (2024)
Projected traffic7,175 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$388,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231 over Branch built?

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

What condition is US 231 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US 231 over Branch carry?

About 5,520 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 231 over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 231 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.