US Bridges

I - 59 over Branch

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · 0 . 5 MI So Etowah CO LN · Structure no. 007251

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
26,319
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 59 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying I - 59 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 26,319 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 39,479 by 2042. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 59
CrossesBranch
Location0 . 5 MI So Etowah CO LN
RouteInterstate 59
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.94139, -86.17472
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 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 traffic26,319 (2022)
Projected traffic39,479 by 2042
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure4
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$2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 59 over Branch built?

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

What condition is I - 59 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 I - 59 over Branch carry?

About 26,319 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is I - 59 over Branch?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns I - 59 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.