US Bridges

Al - 53 (us 231) over Gabe Branch

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 2 . 5 MI S So Clair CO Li · Structure no. 002587

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,200
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 53 (us 231) over Gabe Branch is a steel culvert carrying Al - 53 (us 231) over Gabe Branch in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 5 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 3,200 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,209 by 2044. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 53 (us 231)
CrossesGabe Branch
Location2 . 5 MI S So Clair CO Li
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.42746, -86.40108
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
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 traffic3,200 (2024)
Projected traffic4,209 by 2044
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$347,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 53 (us 231) over Gabe Branch built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 53 (us 231) over Gabe 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 2024.

How much traffic does Al - 53 (us 231) over Gabe Branch carry?

About 3,200 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Al - 53 (us 231) over Gabe Branch?

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

Who owns Al - 53 (us 231) over Gabe Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.