US Bridges

I - 59 North over Branch

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · 6 MI No US 231 · Structure no. 007247

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,590
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 59 North over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying I - 59 North 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 10,590 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,102 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesI - 59 North
CrossesBranch
Location6 MI No US 231
RouteInterstate 59
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.92, -86.21028
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (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 traffic10,590 (2023)
Projected traffic13,102 by 2043
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$702,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 59 North over Branch built?

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

What condition is I - 59 North 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does I - 59 North over Branch carry?

About 10,590 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is I - 59 North over Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns I - 59 North over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.