US Bridges

I - 59 South over Branch

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · .1 MI So. Steele Exit · Structure no. 007248

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

About this bridge

I - 59 South over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying I - 59 South 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 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesI - 59 South
CrossesBranch
Location.1 MI So. Steele Exit
RouteInterstate 59
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.93083, -86.19694
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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.7 US tons
Inventory rating40.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
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 traffic10,590 (2023)
Projected traffic13,102 by 2043
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$718,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 59 South over Branch built?

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

What condition is I - 59 South 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 July 2023.

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

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

How long is I - 59 South over Branch?

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

Who owns I - 59 South over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.