US Bridges

I59 over Branch

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · 2.1 MI So JCT Al 174 · Structure no. 007227

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
90 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
14,630
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I59 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying I59 over Branch in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 14,630 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,945 by 2042. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI59
CrossesBranch
Location2.1 MI So JCT Al 174
RouteInterstate 59
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.75606, -86.47914
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 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 rating37.7 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,630 (2022)
Projected traffic21,945 by 2042
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$2.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I59 over Branch built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is I59 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 2023.

How much traffic does I59 over Branch carry?

About 14,630 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is I59 over Branch?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns I59 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.