US Bridges

US 231 over Branch

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · 0.3 MI S JCT Al 34 · Structure no. 008372

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
72 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
11,430
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 231 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 231 over Branch in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 11,430 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,858 by 2044. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 231
CrossesBranch
Location0.3 MI S JCT Al 34
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.55667, -86.27389
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.2 US tons
Inventory rating46.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length72 ft (21.9 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 traffic11,430 (2024)
Projected traffic14,858 by 2044
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$1.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 231 over Branch built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 231 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 231 over Branch carry?

About 11,430 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 231 over Branch?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 231 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.