US Bridges

US 31 over Branch

Good

Shelby County, Alabama · 1 MI N JCT Al 70 · Structure no. 002514

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 1941
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,830
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 31 over Branch in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 1941, so it is 105 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 8,830 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,343 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesUS 31
CrossesBranch
Location1 MI N JCT Al 70
RouteU.S. Route 31
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.17032, -86.75774
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
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 traffic8,830 (2023)
Projected traffic11,343 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$363,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 over Branch built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1941.

What condition is US 31 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does US 31 over Branch carry?

About 8,830 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Branch?

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

Who owns US 31 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.