US Bridges

I59 over Branch

Good

St. Clair County, Alabama · 1.4 MI No US 231 · Structure no. 007241

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,160
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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 13,160 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,740 by 2042. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesI59
CrossesBranch
Location1.4 MI No US 231
RouteInterstate 59
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.87389, -86.26778
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.5 US tons
Inventory rating44.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 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 traffic13,160 (2022)
Projected traffic19,740 by 2042
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$656,000 (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 good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does I59 over Branch carry?

About 13,160 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is I59 over Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I59 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.